Deviations from Pocketbook Voting in Income Redistribution: Evidence and Implications∗

This paper empirically investigates to what extent individuals vote with their pocketbooks in income redistribution. Survey data on preferences for redistribution show significant deviations from pocketbook voting in the poorest and the richest income groups. Differences in income status, education status, and other factors related to perceived social mobility cannot fully explain cross-country variations in the preference for more income equality. Large and statistically significant deviations remain across countries. More importantly, there is no evidence that the median preference for more income equality is significantly more intense where incomes are more unequal or where the regimes are more democratic. These results cast doubt on redistributive pressure as the main channel through which inequality affects growth under majority rule. JEL Classification: D31, D72, E64