Work

Wealth Inequality in the Czech Republic: An Experimental Study on Bridging the Gap Between Perception and Reality

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT This study explores the impact of corrective information on perceptions of wealth inequality and related political attitudes in the Czech Republic. A custom‐designed survey experiment revealed the significant underestimation of wealth inequality, as reflected in a perceived Gini coefficient of 39.6, compared to an actual value of 67.5. Despite this stark misperception, the provision of accurate information did not significantly shift preferences concerning redistribution, anti‐system sentiments, or political engagement. These findings diverge from previous research on income inequality, suggesting that wealth disparities are processed differently, most likely via heuristic rather than systematic cognition. Future research should aim to refine the respective information delivery methods and further investigate cognitive responses to data on inequality.

Source: Bulletin of Economic Research

DOI: 10.1111/boer.70003

Authors: Filip Červenka, Robin Maialeh

Institutions: Masaryk University, Research Institute for Labour and Social Affairs, Czech Academy of Sciences, Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Philosophy

Language: English

Topic: Income, Poverty, and Inequality

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $2,900