Perceptions of Fairness and Preferences for Redistribution After Information Exposure: Evidence from an On-line Experiment

Abstract: This paper uses a survey experiment to study whether limited information about inequality accounts for the (optimistic) beliefs and the (anti-tax) preferences of American voters. Unlike standard surveys, this study examines preferences for taxation while controlling for perceived economic opportunity, beliefs about how the economy works, and views about the sources of inequality. Random assignment to information exposure about income inequality is used to explore the relationship between awareness about income inequality and preferences for redistribution. The first effect of information is an increase in pessimism about economic opportunity. After exposure to information, subjects are less likely to believe that people who work hard can get ahead life. Subjects are also more likely to agree that personal connections are important for success. raises support for general (i.e. unspecified) government action against inequality by about 6 percentage points. However, the subjects who are exposed to information are not more willing to take specific action (pay higher taxes) than the control group.