Does wealth reduce support for redistribution? Evidence from an Ethiopian housing lottery

A-Tier
Journal: Journal of Public Economics
Year: 2023
Volume: 224
Issue: C

Authors (6)

G. Andersen, Asbjørn (not in RePEc) Franklin, Simon (Queen Mary University of Londo...) Getahun, Tigabu (not in RePEc) Kotsadam, Andreas (Universitetet i Oslo) Somville, Vincent (Norges Handelshøyskole (NHH)) Villanger, Espen (not in RePEc)

Score contribution per author:

0.670 = (α=2.01 / 6 authors) × 2.0x A-tier

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

Abstract

Exploiting the variation in wealth created by an Ethiopian housing lottery, we show that general attitudes towards redistribution and inequality aversion are not affected by a large positive wealth shock. New homeowners are, however, less supportive of taxing homeowners, highlighting a potential conflict between self-interest and preferences for redistribution. We also find evidence of endogenous beliefs: relative to losers, the wealthier winners are less likely to emphasize the role of luck in explaining economic success. We interpret this finding in terms of a self-serving bias.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:eee:pubeco:v:224:y:2023:i:c:s0047272723001214
Journal Field
Public
Author Count
6
Added to Database
2026-01-25