Omfördelningens paradox idag. En kvantitativ studie av den universella välfärdsstatens påverkan på vilja till omfördelning och skattevilja

Sammanfattning: The differences in levels of taxation around the developed world is a puzzle in many aspects. What is it that really explains these differences and how is it possible that the citizens of some countries accept much higher levels of taxation? In this bachelor thesis the institutional aspects of this question is examined through the lens of how the degree of universalism in the welfare state might affect the levels of tax acceptant among citizens. In an often sighted article The Paradox of Redistribution and Strategies of Equality (Korpi, Palme 1998), it is argued that universalism increase the support for redistribution through the welfare state. This theory is tested again in this thesis with new data. It is also tested whether this theory can be elaborated to also include tax acceptance. The conclusion is dual, there is some evidence that the original theory by Korpi and Palme still holds, while there is no empirical support delivered in this analysis that the theory can be expanded to include tax acceptance. Instead the empirical analysis point towards perceptions on corruption correlating with tax acceptation. The results also point toward the need of further more qualitative research on specific states and cultural aspects related to opinions on redistribution and taxation.