Erratum to: The role of subjective beliefs in preferences for redistribution

Abstract

We investigate whether beliefs about the income distribution are associated with political positions for or against redistribution. Using a novel elicitation method, we assess individuals’ beliefs about the shape of the income distribution in the United States.We find that beliefs about inequality, measured in terms of income dispersion, play only a marginal role in political positions as well as prospects of future wealth. Political preferences, however, are predicted by beliefs about the level of income of the poorest members of society (consistent with quasi-maximin utility functions), and a belief in an open society with equal opportunities for all.