Uninformed partisans? The redistributive preferences of young Greeks

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Published: Jan 27, 2021
DOI: https://doi.org/10.12681/grsr.25941
Keywords:
Economic sociology redistributive preferences income misperceptions welfare state randomized experiment
Nikos Koutsiaras
National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
Yannis Tsirbas
National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0048-5696
Abstract

This paper adds to the literature on subjective redistributive preferences. Ιt aims at explaining the preferences of young people, a theme which has, paradoxically, been underresearched. The paper explores specific preferences over a range of redistributive policies and labour market institutions. A two-stage research strategy is employed to trace the impact of information, as well as the influence of self-interest, personal economic prospects, ideology, and political attitudes on redistributive preferences in a sample of 533 students. The provision of information – that is, lifting the porous veil of ignorance facing young persons – has virtually no effect on preferences. Two mechanisms are uncovered: an ideological-political and a political-economic one. The latter explains the intensity of redistributive preferences, but not their content and direction.

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Author Biographies
Nikos Koutsiaras, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
PhD in Political Science, Associate Professor, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
Yannis Tsirbas, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
PhD in Political Communication, Assistant Professor, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
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