Shifting Attributions for Poverty Motivates Opposition to Inequality and Enhances Egalitarianism

Abstract

Amidst rising economic inequality and mounting evidence of its pernicious social effects, what motivates people to oppose inequality? Five studies (N = 34,442) show that attributing poverty to situational forces is linked to greater concern about inequality, preference for egalitarian policies, and inequality-reducing behavior. In Study 1, situational attributions for poverty predicted reduced support for inequality across 34 countries. Study 2 replicated these findings with a nationally representative sample of Americans. Three experiments then tested whether situational attributions for poverty are malleable and motivate egalitarianism. Bolstering situational attributions for poverty through a brief writing exercise (Study 3) and a computer-based poverty simulation (Studies 4a-b) increased egalitarian action and reduced support for inequality immediately (Studies 3-4b), one day later, and 155 days post-intervention (Study 4b). Causal attributions for poverty offer one accessible means of shaping inequality-reducing attitudes and actions. Situational attributions may be a potent psychological lever for lessening societal inequality.