Class-based network segregation, economic inequality, and redistributive preferences across societies

Abstract Rising economic inequality has renewed interest in how class-based social networks shape redistributive preferences across societies. While previous research has explored how social class influences individual attitudes towards redistribution, less is known about how class-based network segregation—defined as the extent to which network ties belong to the same or similar social class of the individual—affects this relationship. At the national level, there is limited understanding of how income inequality could moderate how individuals at both ends of the class spectrum form redistributive attitudes within segregated networks. For example, in more segregated networks, the working class may experience heightened marginalization, while the service class may have reduced exposure to disadvantaged classes. This can deepen class-based attitudinal divides, particularly in societies with low to moderate inequality. However, in highly unequal societies, existing evidence suggests that the class gradient in redistributive preferences tends to narrow, primarily due to rising support for redistribution among the service class. This study investigates how income inequality moderates the interplay between social class and class-based network segregation in shaping redistributive preferences. Using cross-national data from 32,717 individuals across 31 countries, the findings reveal that homogeneous networks are associated with stronger redistributive support among the working class and weaker support among the service class. This relationship is mitigated in high-inequality contexts. Overall, the findings suggest that country-level inequality weakens the interaction between class-based network segregation and individual class position on redistributive attitudes, especially for the service class. The study underscores the value of integrating relational and structural approaches to better understand class, inequality, and support for redistribution.