Preferences for the distribution of income. An empirical analysis for Argentina between 1995 and 2012

Abstract

In this paper the main determinants of the preferences of individuals for income distribution and support for equalizing policies in Argentina are studied. The hypothesis are the demand for redistribution is explained by "self-interest", beliefs about distributive justice and the institutional environment in which individuals interact. Four cross sections between 1995 and 2012 in Argentina of the World Value Survey are used to estimate an ordered bivariate probit model. The main results suggest that not only "self-interest" can explain their preferences for redistribution, but also their beliefs and values, as well as their perceptions regarding the functioning of institutions.