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Trust in government and support for redistribution

Author

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  • Silva,Joana C. G.
  • Morgandi,Matteo
  • Levin,Victoria

Abstract

In many countries safety nets consist predominantly of universal subsidies on food and fuel. A key question for policy makers willing to shift to targeted safety nets is under what conditions middle-class citizens would be supportive of redistributive programs. Results from a behavioral experiment based on a nationally representative sample in Jordan reveal that increasing transparency in benefit delivery makes middle-class citizens (particularly among the youth and low-trust individuals) more willing to forgo their own welfare to benefit the poor. Moreover, increasing transparency enhances the relative support for cash-based safety nets, which have greater impact on poverty compared with in-kind transfers, but may be perceived as more prone to elite capture.

Suggested Citation

  • Silva,Joana C. G. & Morgandi,Matteo & Levin,Victoria, 2016. "Trust in government and support for redistribution," Policy Research Working Paper Series 7675, The World Bank.
    • Handle: RePEc:wbk:wbrwps:7675
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    Cited by:

    1. Hwang, Soo Kyeong, 2020. "Korea's preference for redistribution and the policy decisions," KDI Policy Studies 2019-01, Korea Development Institute (KDI).

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