Can Redistribution Change Policy Views? Aid and Attitudes toward Refugees

S-Tier
Journal: Journal of Political Economy
Year: 2025
Volume: 133
Issue: 9
Pages: 2874 - 2917

Authors (5)

Travis Baseler (University of Rochester) Thomas Ginn (not in RePEc) Robert Hakiza (not in RePEc) Helidah Ogude-Chambert (not in RePEc) Olivia Woldemikael (not in RePEc)

Score contribution per author:

1.615 = (α=2.02 / 5 authors) × 4.0x S-tier

α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count

Abstract

Many public policies create winners and losers, but it is unclear whether redistribution can support new political economy equilibria that raise aggregate welfare. We study policies that partially redistribute foreign aid for refugees to natives while allowing refugees to work and move freely. Cash grants to Ugandan and Kenyan natives, labeled as aid from the refugee response, substantially increase support for refugee integration. Information about existing redistribution has significant but smaller effects. In contrast, intergroup contact yields no persistent, measurable effects. Our results indicate that economic interventions can shape policy views even on issues influenced by cultural concerns, such as immigration.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:ucp:jpolec:doi:10.1086/736209
Journal Field
General
Author Count
5
Added to Database
2026-01-24