Preferences for Redistribution around the World

The present paper integrates the empirical research on preference for redistribution. We analyze the influence of individual and socio-economic characteristics, beliefs, social identity and social class on individual preferences for redistribution. Macroeconomic conditions and the relative size of the welfare state are accounted for. After assessing these determinants individually, they are considered jointly in order to assess their substitutive or complementary relation. The analysis is first restricted to OECD countries and in a second step extended to a large group of non-OECD countries. We find that that gender, income, education, social class and beliefs in self-determination and a fair world have significant effects on preferences for redistribution.