| By: |
Ilja Neustadt (Socioeconomic Institute, University of Zurich);
Peter Zweifel (Socioeconomic Institute, University of Zurich) |
| Abstract: |
In this paper, preferences for income redistribution are elicited through a
Discrete Choice Experiment (DCE) performed in 2008. In addition to the amount
of redistribution as a share of GDP, attributes also included its uses
(working poor, unemployed, old age, families with children, ill health) and
nationality of beneficiary (Swiss, Western European, other foreigners).
Willingness to pay for redistribution increases with income and education,
contradicting the conventional Meltzer-Richard (1981) model. The Prospect of
Upward Mobility hypothesis [Hirschman and Rothschild (1973); Benabou and Ok
(2001)] receives very partial empirical support. |
| Keywords: |
Income redistribution, preferences, willingness to pay, discrete choice experiments, stated choice, economic well-being, social mobility |
| JEL: |
C35 C93 D63 H29 |
| Date: |
2009–07 |
| URL: |
http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:soz:wpaper:0909&r=ltv |