Between Beveridge and Bismarck: Preferences for redistribution through public pensions

Friedrich Breyer, Christian Breunig, Mark Kapteina, Guido Schwerdt and Maj-Britt Sterba

The Journal of the Economics of Ageing, 2025, vol. 31, issue C

Abstract: We examine preferences for redistribution in Germany’s public pension system as well as notions of fairness of the system, using survey and experimental data from citizens and politicians. Our findings reveal a widespread rejection of strict proportionality between contributions and benefits, with strong support for greater redistribution to low earners. Information on inequalities in life expectancy reduces perceived fairness and increases support for redistribution among voters and politically moderate legislators. The study also reveals significant knowledge gaps about the basic features of the existing pension scheme among citizens. We demonstrate that policy-relevant information influences fairness perceptions.

Keywords: Public pensions; Preferences; Redistribution; Germany; Elites (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: D72 D83 H55 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:joecag:v:31:y:2025:i:c:s2212828x25000258

DOI: 10.1016/j.jeoa.2025.100570

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