Public Attitudes towards Income Redistribution

What is it about?

Drawing on a phone survey conducted in 2013, this study advances the discussion by investigating public attitudes toward redistribution and social policy changes against the backdrop of buoyant government revenues in Hong Kong. The Hong Kong’s welfare model, best seen as a parallel to the liberal welfare state, is selective and residual. Contrary to the usual assumption, the social values hypothesis, viewing poverty as societal problems instead of individual reasons, has been supported in the Hong Kong context. It lends support to greater redistribution in a residual welfare state.

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Why is it important?

The drivers of public support for redistributive policy have stimulated academic debate around the world. In ageing societies, using public money to effect income redistribution is a core aspect of the political agenda. Widening income inequalities in many societies heighten the need for redistribution. Nevertheless, public support is vital to the formation and implementation of a good redistributive program.