Rising inequality, declining support: egocentric motives and redistribution preferences in South Korea

Abstract This paper examines how information about individuals’ income position and national inequality shape preferences for redistribution, addressing the puzzle of rising inequality alongside stagnant redistribution. Using a survey experiment in South Korea, we find that individuals systematically misperceive their place in the income distribution, and that correcting these misperceptions significantly alters their policy preferences. Specifically, respondents who overestimate (underestimate) their income position become more supportive of (opposed to) redistribution when given accurate information, compared to those who remain uninformed. By contrast, providing information about national-level inequality has no impact on redistribution preferences, even among those previously unaware of the extent of inequality. This null effect persists across subgroups defined by income, trust in government, and belief in meritocracy. Our findings suggest that egocentric, rather than sociotropic, considerations drive support for redistribution.