ASYMMETRY OF WEALTH AND PUBLIC GOOD PROVISION

This study focuses on behavioral reactions to unequal distributions of wealth. In an experimental study it is demonstrated that if a group i s in a position to provide a public good, group members seize the oppo rtunity to redistribute wealth. Redistribution of wealth through provi sion of public goods was more extreme if the initial distribution of w ealth was incongruent with the group members' inputs (in terms of effo rt) than if it was congruent with those inputs. Results are interprete d in terms of equity theory and status-value theory.