Early-Life Adversity and Preferences for Redistribution: A Global Perspective

Daniele Marchesi (), Viola Angelini, Milena Nikolova () and Olga Popova ()
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Daniele Marchesi: University of Groningen
Milena Nikolova: University of Groningen
Olga Popova: Leibniz Institute for East and Southeast European Studies (IOS)

No 18622, IZA Discussion Papers from IZA Network @ LISER

Abstract: We are the first to examine how adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) influence the support for redistribution in adulthood. Using data from the 2022-2024 wave of the Global Flourishing Study on over 160,000 individuals from 22 countries, we construct measures of ACEs based on retrospective information on parental relationships, abuse, health, and household finances while growing up. We document cross-country variation in both ACE prevalence and redistributive preferences between high-income and low- and middle-income countries. Specifically, exposure to ACEs is associated with stronger support for redistribution only in high-income countries, suggesting that the relationship between early-life adversity and economic preferences is context-dependent. We explore several mechanisms that underpin our relationship. We find evidence for a material self-interest channel, whereby childhood adversity lowers adult income and increases demand for government support. Yet, this mechanism explains only a small part of the total association, suggesting that alternative pathways drive the relationship. Overall, the results show that early-life adversity is a previously overlooked and context-dependent determinant of redistributive preferences.

Keywords: preferences for redistribution; adverse childhood experiences (ACEs); early-life conditions; inequality attitudes; Global Flourishing Study (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: D31 D72 H23 J12 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026-05
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Working Paper: Early-Life Adversity and Preferences for Redistribution: A Global Perspective (2026)
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