Equality vs. Markets: Economic equality

ONE END OF THE AXIS

Equality

You favor using taxes, transfers, and economic rules to narrow material inequality. Unequal starting points matter to you, and you see a role for collective action in making living standards more equal.

THE OTHER END

Markets

You favor prices, competition, and private exchange as ways to allocate resources. You place more weight on economic incentives and accept differences in outcomes when they emerge from market activity.

The nuance matters

Support for markets does not imply opposition to every safety net. Support for redistribution does not imply support for a fully planned economy. This axis concerns redistribution; ownership of services is measured separately.

These are preferences along a scale, not fixed categories. You can have a clear leaning while making exceptions for a particular policy, institution, or situation.

A tradeoff to think about

Consider a higher tax on very large inheritances used to fund equal starting grants for young adults. How would you weigh opportunity, property rights, and incentives?

Think about the consequences you expect and which values you would prioritize. The purpose is to make your reasoning clearer.

How this axis is scored

The quick test includes four statements on this axis; the full test includes eight. Half point toward equality when you agree, and half toward markets. Strong answers count twice as much as moderate answers. Neutral counts as zero, while skipped statements are excluded.

A score near 50% can reflect neutral answers or opposing answers that average out. With no answered statements, the axis is shown as unmeasured. Read the formula and limitations.

The actual test statements

The first four appear in both versions. The last four add more context in the full test. There are no hidden questions or undisclosed weights.

1. Government should do more to reduce the gap between the richest and poorest people.Agreement points toward Equality · Both versions

2. Lower taxes on business investment are generally worth allowing more economic inequality.Agreement points toward Markets · Both versions

3. Large inheritances should be taxed more heavily to fund opportunities for people with less wealth.Agreement points toward Equality · Both versions

4. Differences in income should mainly reflect what people can earn in the market.Agreement points toward Markets · Both versions

5. A guaranteed minimum income is worth funding through higher taxes.Agreement points toward Equality · Full version

6. Competitive markets usually allocate resources better than government economic planning.Agreement points toward Markets · Full version

7. Reducing poverty should take priority over protecting the incomes of the highest earners.Agreement points toward Equality · Full version

8. People should keep most of what they earn, even if that means fewer redistributive programs.Agreement points toward Markets · Full version