The emerging aversion to inequality - Evidence from long subjective data

Open Access

Abstract

This paper provides evidence of a change in the relationship between individual satisfaction with the state of country's economy and income inequality during transition from a command to market economic system. Using data from a series of extensive and frequent surveys of Polish population, we identify a structural break in this relationship. In the beginning of transition, an increase in income inequality is interpreted by population as a positive signal of increased opportunities; this sentiment is particularly strong among older people and people with right-wing political views. Later in the transition period, increased inequality becomes an important reason for dissatisfaction of the public with the country's economic situation and reforms, as people become more skeptical about the legitimacy of income generation process. We also provide direct evidence from opinion polls of a change in the public sentiment about income inequality. ; Cet article illustre le retournement de la tolérance aux inégalités au cours d'une période de forte croissance et de transformation économique et politique rapide. Il s'appuie sur l'expérience polonaise de transition économique et explore les attitudes subjectives des citoyens recueillies dans des enquêtes répétées, à haute fréquence, de 1992 à 2005. Une rupture entre l'inégalité et la satisfaction est identifiée aux alentours de l'année 1997. Cette évolution coïncide avec la montée, au sein de la population, d'un certain rejet des élites politiques.