Discussion Paper Series in Economics,
Norwegian School of Economics, Department of Economics

Abstract: This paper introduces a theory of popular support for inequality reduction based on rational self-interest. In a controlled experiment across 40 countries and 92,696 respondents, I isolate altruistic transfers from self-preserving transfers made to avoid perceived negative consequences of inequality. Many non-altruistic individuals transfer to individuals with smaller allocations to protect themselves from harmful consequences, creating selfish equality. Across countries, selfish equality accounts for substantially more cross-country variation in societal redistribution than altruistic giving or any other leading alternative explanation from the literature. The results suggest that redistributive societies are not distinguished by particular fairness views, but by a shared belief that equality is pragmatically beneficial for all citizens.

Keywords: Selfish equality; fairness views

JEL-codes: C91

Language: English

77 pages, October 2, 2026

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