Abstract

Objectives

To examine whether: (1) reasoning for distributional preferences depends on the domain of inequality; (2) reasoning for distributional preferences is affected by cause of inequality; (3) participants provide and explain responses that violate “monotonicity” (the welfare economics principle that, other things being equal, social welfare improves when at least one person is better-off); and (4) the above vary across the digital divide.

Methods

We used mixed-methods to collect qualitative and quantitative data, via online discussion groups with a survey (11 groups, n = 53) and telephone interviews (n = 15) with digital minority individuals. Participants considered scenarios comparing equal and unequal health and wellbeing outcomes for an imaginary island. Well-being was framed as “equivalent income” (described to participants as household spending money, with other life aspects being good).

Results

Distributional preferences varied by domain and cause of inequality but not digital status. Health inequality caused by financial inequality was widely unaccepted. Some preferred equal distributions, even when violating “monotonicity,” citing fairness and social cohesion.

Conclusions

Recruiting across the digital divide and using mixed-methods enriches inequality aversion research, enhancing the inclusivity and legitimacy of DCEA.