College Students’ Support for Wealth Redistribution: Evidence From a National Survey

Abstract

Drawing on national survey data, this article analyzes the relationship between student demographics, political ideology, educational expenses, and group experiences in college and support for wealth redistribution. Findings show that liberal/leftist political ideologies, financing college through on-campus work and loans, and participation in racial/ethnic organizations in college positively predict student support for raising taxes on the wealthy. Right-wing ideologies, working off-campus, having parental financial support, and playing intercollegiate sports are noteworthy negative predictors. Implications for higher education administrators and the political discourse are discussed.

Notes

¹ Details on survey methodology can be found at https://heri.ucla.edu/overview-of-surveys/.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Austin Lyke

^a

Austin Lyke ([email protected]) is a Ph.D. candidate at the University of California, Los Angeles.