Publication Date
3-4-2025
Description
This paper examines how partisan identity influences Americans' views on social welfare, emphasizing the concept of "deservingness" as a key factor in the public's support or opposition to social policies. We employ novel survey data to demonstrate that Americans hold clear stereotypes about which social groups are associated with the Democratic and Republican parties. These stereotypes significantly impact perceptions of deservingness, with individuals more likely to view members of their own partisan ingroup as deserving of aid. Our study finds that these partisan-driven perceptions of deservingness significantly influence attitudes towards social policies. Both Democrats and Republicans are shown to support policies that benefit their respective ingroups, even when such policies conflict with their broader ideological principles. This indicates a willingness among partisans to prioritize ingroup loyalty over consistent policy positions, highlighting the extent to which partisan identity can override other considerations in the realm of social policy.
Type
Working Paper(unpublished)