Advantage versus disadvantage framing effects on preferences for redistributive policies

Research suggests that framing inequality as a disadvantage for one individual, versus an advantage for another, increases support for inequality reduction. The present research explores this phenomenon in a series of 12 experiments presenting inequality in three domains. Based on previous findings we expected that participants who viewed inequality presented as a disadvantage for one person, rather than an advantage for another, would be more likely to acknowledge the negative effects of inequality and support efforts to reduce it. Additionally, self versus other effects, as well participant political orientation, were tested as potential moderators of these framing effects. Overall, these 12 experiments yielded mixed results, providing limited evidence for the effects of framing on endorsement of inequality and support for its reduction.