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  5. Zero-Sum Thinking and the Roots of U.S. Political Differences

American Economic Review

ISSN 0002-8282 (Print) | ISSN 1944-7981 (Online)

Zero-Sum Thinking and the Roots of U.S. Political Differences

  • Sahil Chinoy
  • Nathan Nunn
  • Sandra Sequeira
  • Stefanie Stantcheva
American Economic Review (Forthcoming)

Abstract

We investigate the origins and implications of zero-sum thinking -- the belief that gains for one individual or group come at the cost of others. Using a new survey of 20,400 U.S. residents, we measure zero-sum thinking, political preferences, policy views, and rich ancestral information spanning four generations. We find that a zero-sum mindset is associated with stronger support for government redistribution, race- and gender-based affirmative action, and more restrictive immigration policies. We also find that zero-sum thinking is predicted by the experiences of respondents and their ancestors, particularly those related to intergenerational mobility, immigration, and enslavement.

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