Redistributive policies and recipients: an empirical analysis

Torrisi, Gianpiero (2007): Redistributive policies and recipients: an empirical analysis.

Abstract

In this paper I present an empirical analysis of redistributive policies with particular attention to transfers. Theoretical considerations are compared with some empirical observations at three levels of analysis: supranational, national and sub-national. The main conclusion of my work is that, general speaking, redistributive policies do not follow normative criteria that predict they should be targeted to disadvantaged groups. Moreover, to some extent, a positive correlation between lobbies’ power and some dynamics of transfers favourable to middle classes arises.

• Item Type: MPRA Paper
• Language: English
• Keywords: Redistributive policy; positive analysis; underclass
• Subjects: E - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics > E6 - Macroeconomic Policy, Macroeconomic Aspects of Public Finance, and General Outlook > E62 - Fiscal Policy; E - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics > E6 - Macroeconomic Policy, Macroeconomic Aspects of Public Finance, and General Outlook > E63 - Comparative or Joint Analysis of Fiscal and Monetary Policy ; Stabilization ; Treasury Policy; H - Public Economics > H2 - Taxation, Subsidies, and Revenue; P - Economic Systems > P1 - Capitalist Systems > P16 - Political Economy

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