Pandemic and Progressivity
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Summary:
Based on a survey of about 2,500 US resident adults, we show that people who have experienced serious illness or job loss caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, or who personally know someone who has, favor a temporary progressive levy or structural progressive tax reform to a greater extent than others in the sample, controlling for income, demographic characteristics, and other factors. People who reveal preferences for spending items (more on police, military, border protection; less on education, health, environment) that are associated with communitarian (rather than universalist) moral perspectives generally show weaker support for progressive reforms, but more communitarians change their views as a result of personal experience. The results are consistent with previous findings that economic upheavals can mold individuals’ views on policy matters.
Series:
Working Paper No. 2021/024
Subject:
COVID-19 Education Health Income Progressive taxation
Frequency:
regular
English
Publication Date:
February 5, 2021
ISBN/ISSN:
9781513568621/1018-5941
Stock No:
WPIEA2021024
Pages:
42
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