Lab meeting - Martina Dattilo (University of Turin)

Creativity, Immigration, and Preferences for Redistribution

The study employs an experimental design to investigate in-group bias in preferences for redistribution. Building on Almas et al. (2020), we compare fairness norms when an initial unequal allocation is determined by luck or by meritocracy, and examine whether redistributive preferences differ when the recipient is a native-born citizen rather than a migrant. We extend previous work by examining how framing meritocracy in terms of productivity or creativity shapes support for redistribution. Specifically, we test the extent to which creative workers are perceived as more deserving of redistribution and whether this perception mediates in-group bias. We define creative workers broadly as individuals whose output depends directly on creativity, including but not limited to workers in the cultural and creative industries.

Last modified: Tue, 24 Mar 2026 15:59:39 GMT