New research examines how perceptions of income inequality shape public attitudes toward progressive taxation. Using survey data from the American National Election Study, this paper analyzes voter responses across different income brackets.
Income Bracket Comparisons: Respondents consistently defined high-income thresholds higher than their personal incomes.
Policy Implications: This misalignment affects support for redistributive policies.
Regression Analysis Findings: Higher perceived inequality leads to stronger backing of progressive taxation, regardless of actual income level.
Subjective Identity Matters: People's self-placement within the income distribution significantly influences their policy preferences.
