Social Conflict and Preferences for Redistribution in Pakistan

Abstract

The unequal power dynamics and income disparities prevalent in democratic developing nations, like Pakistan, fuel various social conflicts that adversely affect economic development. This study aims to investigate the impact of social conflict on individual preferences for redistribution. Data from the World Value Survey (WVS) is utilized for this purpose. The findings indicate a significant association between a high degree of social conflict and increased 
preference for redistribution, particularly when examining individual characteristics related to both preferences for redistribution and social conflict. Further analysis reveals that individuals' perceptions and preferences toward redistribution exhibit a tendency to evolve over time. Moreover, the study explores how individuals' perceptions of wide income disparities correlate with heightened support for redistribution.