Perceptions of redistribution: Report on exploratory qualitative research

This paper represents the results of a small-scale qualitative study, exploringpublic perceptions of the redistributive effects of taxation and public spendingin the UK. Redistribution is not at the top of people’s minds when they considerthese issues and it is a complex subject on which they have thought little. Peopleappear to apply separate principles of ‘fairness’ and ‘mutuality’ to the structuresof taxation and public spending. Fairness in taxation may involve moreprogressivity than the current system, and those with low incomes may needmore help. The support this implies for the redistributive impact of governmentdoes not appear to be primarily motivated by concerns about making incomesmore equal, but rather the outcome of belief in a system in which everyone canget help when they need it, and everyone contributes according to their means.[...]

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Year of publication:	2005-03-01
Authors:	Hedges, Alan
Institutions:	London School of Economics and Political Science
Subject:	Forschung \| Steuer \| Einstellung \| attitudes \| Öffentliche Ausgaben \| government spending

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A Summary and conclusions 1
A1 The study 1
A2 Summary of main findings 1
A3 Some conclusions and implications 8
B Basis for this paper 9
C Background and context 11
C1 Understanding of tax and spending system 11
C1.1 Fragmented awareness and understanding 11
C1.2 Terminology of tax and spending 14
C2 Perceptions of tax and spending 15
C2.1 Attitudes to tax and spending 15
C2.2 Not a single homogeneous system 17
C2.3 Perceptions of public services 22
C2.4 Attitudes to the welfare state 28
C2.5 Means testing 30
C2.6 Opting out 37
C2.7 Hypothecation of taxes 41
C3 Taxes paid by different groups 42
D Perceptions of ‘redistribution’ 49
D1 What is redistribution? 49
D2 Approaches to studying redistribution 50
D3 Reasons for supporting redistribution 52
D4 Different pictures of redistribution 54
D5 Concepts of ‘fairness’ and mutuality 54
D6 The welfare ‘club’ model 58
D6.1 A British club 58
D6.2 Paying your dues 60
D6.3 Strength of feeling 62
D7 Altruism and self interest 65
D8 Winners and losers 67
D9 Redistribution to pensioners 69
D10 Redistribution through inputs and outputs 70
D11 Insurance and ‘mutuality’ 73
D12 Importance of continuity 74
D13 Geographical redistribution 75
D14 Responses to redistributive effects 78

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