LISS 2024. Authors: Juliette de Wit, Maite Laméris (University of Groningen, Faculty of Economics and Business).
Identity cleavages increasingly drive political outcomes, including the distribution of income and wealth. At the heart of this are people’s preferences regarding the distribution of income. Recent studies show that in order to understand what drives such preferences, a crucial role is reserved for identity. National identity is especially important, since it affects the acceptance of different (marginalised) groups in society and, consequently, the majority’s views on income redistribution. This can explain why some voters might be against redistribution even if this disadvantages them. Our understanding of this can be improved by recognizing that there are distinct ways to identify with the nation state. This project is the first to investigate the causal relation between national identity and redistribution while considering heterogeneity in national identification. To do so, we use an experimental survey design. Our findings add to our understanding of the demand for redistribution, an essential ingredient to ensure sustained support for public institutions and find solutions to growing social polarisation.
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