How Rich is Too Rich? Measuring the Riches Line

Ingrid Robeyns (), Vincent Buskens, Arnout Rijt, Nina Vergeldt and Tanja Lippe
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Ingrid Robeyns: Utrecht University
Vincent Buskens: Utrecht University
Arnout Rijt: Utrecht University
Nina Vergeldt: Utrecht University
Tanja Lippe: Utrecht University

Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, 2021, vol. 154, issue 1, No 5, 115-143

Abstract: Abstract Is it possible to identify a ‘riches line’, distinguishing the ‘rich’ from the ‘super-rich’? Recent work in political philosophy suggests that this is theoretically possible. This study examines for the first time the empirical plausibility of a riches line, based on novel data collected from a representative sample of the Dutch population. The data reveal that the Dutch indeed draw such a line, namely between 1 and 3 million euros. Strikingly, respondents agree on its approximate location irrespective of their own income and education. Although most do not consider extreme wealth itself a severe problem and object to the government’s enforcement of limits to wealth and income, widespread support exists for increased taxation of the super-rich if that would improve the quality of life of the most vulnerable members of society.

Keywords: Riches; Super-rich; Inequality; Evaluation; Norms; Vignettes (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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DOI: 10.1007/s11205-020-02552-z

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