Americans hold varying beliefs about the causes of inequality and the role of wealthy people in society. These stories largely break down along partisan lines. Democrats generally emphasize an unfair economy and the negative effects of wealth. Republicans commonly attribute economic fortunes to hard work and talent, and see wealthy people in a more positive light.
While Democratic voters are relatively unified in support of progressive economic policies and in their explanations of inequality, Republicans are more divided. Lower-income Republicans are substantially more economically progressive than higher-income Republicans. About one in five Republicans hold economic views more in line with the Democratic Party than their own party.
Differences in how voters explain the reasons for wealth and poverty and the contributions of rich people correlate with their economic policy preferences.
Economic policy preferences also correlate with voting behavior. CONT.
Lee Drutman, Vanessa Williamson & Felicia Wong, Voter Study Group