Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2026

Comments

This paper has been accepted for publication at Analyses of Social Issues and Public Policy. An earlier version of this paper was posted to https://digitalcommons.conncoll.edu/econfacpub/44/.

Abstract

This study uses survey responses to explore how support for basic income and universal healthcare is linked to zero-sum thinking and meritocratic beliefs. Consistent with earlier work, I find that zero-sum thinking and weaker meritocratic beliefs both lead to greater levels of support for basic income and universal healthcare. Using a path analysis, zero-sum thinking is also found to strengthen support for basic income and universal healthcare along two separate channels -- one via zero-sum thinking’s direct effect on policy support and a second via an indirect effect, whereby zero-sum thinking is attached to weaker beliefs in meritocracy, which in turn lead to increased policy support. These results suggest that zero-sum thinking plays an important role in shaping support for progressive policies, and that the multifaceted connection between zero-sum thinking and policy support likely serves as a barrier to widespread recognition, appreciation, and promotion of the positive-sum consequences of these policies.

Download

Included in

Economics Commons

Share

COinS
 

The views expressed in this paper are solely those of the author.