The role of ignorance in the emergence of redistribution

B-Tier
Journal: Journal of Economic Behavior and Organization
Year: 2019
Volume: 163
Issue: C
Pages: 239-261

Authors (3)

Gerber, Anke (not in RePEc) Nicklisch, Andreas (not in RePEc) Voigt, Stefan (Universität Hamburg)

Score contribution per author:

0.670 = (α=2.01 / 3 authors) × 1.0x B-tier

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

Abstract

Our study investigates the emergence of redistribution societies when individuals vote on distribution rules with their feet. The choice of a distribution rule is a strategic decision since individuals differ in the productivity of their investments and hence total income depends on the types of individuals who have chosen the same distribution rule. In our laboratory experiment, we find that, compared to full information, the amount of redistribution increases if individuals face uncertainty about their productivity at the time they choose a distribution rule. Moreover, we find a coexistence of libertarian and redistributive societies as well as imperfect segregation for all degrees of uncertainty, so that heterogeneous redistribution societies turn out to be sustainable throughout.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:eee:jeborg:v:163:y:2019:i:c:p:239-261
Journal Field
Theory
Author Count
3
Added to Database
2026-01-29