Introduction:

Schwarze and Härpfer study in their various econometric models the dependence of life satisfaction on regional income inequality. Based on a new debate about a likely aversion to extreme inequality that should at least be suspected in Europe, this dimension is tested as well as the readiness to allow for redistribution by way of taxes and social insurance contributions; this readiness is not necessarily linked to the postulated aversion to social inequality. An important result here is that income inequality indeed has a negative impact on satisfaction in (West) Germany. However, the significance of state redistribution programs is less clear, also allowing for no clear conclusion when groups were considered.