La montée de l'aversion à l'inégalité. Du temps des anticipations au temps de la déception

This paper illustrates the emergence of inequality aversion in a transition country. Using a series of Polish cross-section surveys, we identify a structural break in the relationship between income inequality and subjective well-being. Inequality, initially perceived as a positive signal of increased opportunities, starts to undermine satisfaction after a couple of years, when individuals become skeptical about the legitimacy of the enrichment of reform winners. Satisfaction then stops following the ascension of national income. Classification JEL : C25, D31, D63, I30, P20, P26.