The Prince and the Pauper: Fairness through Thick and Thin Veils of Ignorance

Chee Kian Leong

No 4918, CESifo Working Paper Series from CESifo

Abstract: This paper uses a twin construct to test how the thickness of the veil of ignorance (VOI) affects the perception of fairness and redistributional choices. A fortune reversal is generally perceived to be fair behind a thick VOI, but deemed unfair behind a transparent VOI, particularly if one is currently in a stronger social position. A significant association exists between the perception of fairness and the certainty levels about social position. A 50-50 split is preferred with thicker VOI; whilst the status quo is favoured with thinner VOI. Regardless of the VOI’s thickness, few opt for a winnertake-all redistribution.

Keywords: veil of ignorance; fairness (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: C99 D63 D64 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2014
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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