Non-economic determinants of redistribution preferences

Abstract

Predominant theories of (income) redistribution preferences are largely centered on economic self-interest factors such as education, income and labor market position. Although subsequent findings have expanded the scope to include key non-economic determinants including income inequality perceptions, meritocratic beliefs, mobility expectations and gender, how these non-economic factors interact to shape redistribution preferences remains underexplored. This paper seeks to bridge this gap through three key findings. First, the analysis introduces interpersonal trust as an overlooked non-economic factor that significantly influences redistribution preferences. Second, mobility expectations are found to partially mediate the relationship between meritocratic beliefs and redistribution preferences but not between income inequality perceptions and redistribution preferences. Third, a gender-based variation emerges, as the link between perceived income inequality and support for redistribution is weaker among females than males. Beyond emphasizing the effects of non-economic factors on redistribution preferences, this study further affirms that redistribution preferences remain shaped by economic self-interest factors as well.