Skip to main content

Research Repository

Advanced Search

The origins of redistributive policy preferences: political socialisation with and without a welfare state

Neundorf, Anja; Soroka, Stuart

Authors

Anja Neundorf

Stuart Soroka



Abstract

Research on the impact of the macroeconomy on individual-level preferences for redistribution has produced varying results. This paper presents a new theory on the presence of an expansive welfare state during one’s formative years as a source of heterogeneity in the effect that macroeconomic conditions have on individuals’ preferences for redistributive policy. This theory is tested using cohort analysis via the British Social Attitudes surveys (1983–2010), with generations coming of age between the end of World War I and today. Findings confirm that cohorts that were socialised before and after the introduction of the welfare state react differently to economic crises: the former become less supportive of redistribution, while the latter become more supportive. The research sheds light on the long-term shifts of support for the welfare state due to generational replacement.

Citation

Neundorf, A., & Soroka, S. (2018). The origins of redistributive policy preferences: political socialisation with and without a welfare state. West European Politics, 41(2), 400-427. https://doi.org/10.1080/01402382.2017.1388666

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Aug 24, 2017
Online Publication Date Oct 25, 2017
Publication Date Mar 4, 2018
Deposit Date Oct 30, 2017
Publicly Available Date Mar 29, 2024
Journal West European Politics
Print ISSN 0140-2382
Electronic ISSN 1743-9655
Publisher Routledge
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 41
Issue 2
Pages 400-427
DOI https://doi.org/10.1080/01402382.2017.1388666
Keywords Redistributive policy; public opinion; cohort analysis; political socialisation; Great Britain
Public URL https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/889290
Publisher URL http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/01402382.2017.1388666
Additional Information This is an Accepted Manuscript of an article published by Taylor & Francis in West European Politics on 25/10/2017, available online: http://www.tandfonline.com/10.1080/01402382.2017.1388666

Files





You might also like



Downloadable Citations