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The Political Attitudes and Subjective Wellbeing of the One Percent

Sengupta, Nikhil Kumar, Sibley, Chris G. (2018) The Political Attitudes and Subjective Wellbeing of the One Percent. Journal of Happiness Studies, 20 (7). pp. 2125-2140. ISSN 1389-4978. (doi:10.1007/s10902-018-0038-4) (KAR id:79057)

Abstract

In capitalist societies, individuals who occupy the highest positions in the economic hierarchy feature prominently in the political discourse under the moniker of the One Percent. However, little is known about how the psychology of One Percent might differ from that of the average person. Using a large, nationally representative sample in New Zealand (N = 14,650), we aimed to fill this gap examining the political attitudes and subjective wellbeing of the top one percent of the income distribution. We found that, compared to general public, the One Percent more strongly legitimize the political and economic systems in society, and express lower support for redistributive taxation. They also report higher life satisfaction, self-esteem and belongingness compared to everyone else. Thus, the One Percent benefit not only economically and politically from the current system, but also psychologically. Moreover, their political beliefs serve to bolster the inequality from which they benefit.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1007/s10902-018-0038-4
Uncontrolled keywords: inequality; one percent; wellbeing; tax; policy;
Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
Divisions: Divisions > Division of Human and Social Sciences > School of Psychology
Depositing User: Nikhil Sengupta
Date Deposited: 03 Dec 2019 12:40 UTC
Last Modified: 05 Nov 2024 12:43 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/79057 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

University of Kent Author Information

Sengupta, Nikhil Kumar.

Creator's ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5694-353X
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