Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-2008
Department 1
Economics
Abstract
Using a simple, double-blind dictator experiment, we examine the extent to which subjects' choices of distributive shares are influenced by unearned social position. We measure social position by the initial distributive shares (resources) and the subjects' ability to determine the final distributive shares (power). We find that subjects' decisions are consistent with Rawls' (1971) hypothesis that individuals expect a greater share when in a position with more power and initial resources. Finally, we test if subjects' choices under a laboratory veil of ignorance are consistent with Rawls' concept of distributive justice. "Veiled" individuals exhibit preferences that are less risk-averse and have greater variance than Rawls hypothesized. [excerpt]
Copyright Note
This is the publisher's version of the work. This publication appears in Gettysburg College's institutional repository by permission of the copyright owner for personal use, not for redistribution.
Recommended Citation
Swope, Kurtis, John Cadigan, Pamela Schmitt, Robert Shupp. "Social Position and Distributive Justice: Experimental Evidence." Southern Economic Journal 74.3 (January 2008), 811-818.
Required Publisher's Statement
Original version is available from the publisher at: http://journal.southerneconomic.org/loi/soec