Perception des inégalités économiques et sentiment de justice sociale

Abstract

The analysis of the 1999 International Social Survey Programme opinion polls in 8 of the participating countries shows that the interviewees tend to underestimate the largest income inequalities and consider themselves closer to the average than they really are. Their macro-justice feelings are based on the gap between what they think the inequalities are and what they ought to be. They do not demand absolute equality. The income hierarchy is accepted, providing it is reduced. Their micro-justice feelings are linked to a « solidaristic» relative deprivation and to the degree to which they wish to decrease macro-inequalities. The principle of equity is not rejected but the salaries-by-merit as a mere result of the market lead to too strong inequalities which, according to them, should be reduced to obtain more justice. JEL Classification: D 63. © Presses de Sciences Po. Tous droits réservés pour tous pays.