Many politicians and pundits – and some scholars – argue that most Americans
don’t know much about economic inequality, don’t care about it, oppose egalitarian
government programs, and are unwilling to pay taxes for such programs.
A close look at public opinion surveys, however, makes clear that each of these
bits of conventional wisdom is incorrect. Particularly conclusive is the evidence from a
new national survey, the “Inequality Survey,” which confirms and extends the findings of
scores of other polls and surveys conducted over the last half century.
It turns out that most Americans are aware of extremely high levels of inequality
in U.S. incomes and wealth. Most want less inequality. Large majorities of Americans –
in many cases, overwhelming majorities – favor a wide range of egalitarian spending
programs that would substantially reduce income inequality. Large majorities favor
using their tax money for such programs. And majorities of Americans favor progressive
taxation, with heavy taxes on their most well-to-do compatriots.
Awareness of and Concern about Economic Inequality
The present authors have made an exhaustive search of past polls and surveys
related to economic inequality. We also designed an original national survey to explore
these matters in depth. Our Inequality Survey was fielded during the summer of 2007 by
the Center for Survey Research and Analysis at the University of Connecticut.
The impression that Americans do not care about economic inequality has roots in
Louis Hartz’ analysis of our “Lockean liberal” individualism.
It also reflects awareness
of the power of the “American Dream.” Most Americans are said to believe in individual
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Convention