redistribution
ree-dis-trih-BYOO-shuhn
/ˌriː.dɪs.trɪˈbjuː.ʃən/
The allocation of income or wealth from richer individuals to poorer individuals through taxation and welfare services.
A core economic policy term that carries heavy political debate; proponents view it as social justice, while critics view it as economic penalty.
The story behind the word. Derived from the Latin 'tribuere', which originally meant allocating land or taxes among the ancient Roman tribes ('tribus'). Adding 're-' and 'dis-' creates the modern sense of breaking apart existing allocations and distributing them anew across society.
Word relationships
- reallocation: Reallocation is a broad term for moving resources anywhere, whereas redistribution specifically carries social income-transfer meanings.
- reapportionment: Reapportionment usually applies to political representation and legislative seats rather than tax revenue.
- accumulation: Accumulation refers to the gathering and concentration of wealth rather than its spread.
Commonly confused with
- distribution: Distribution is initial market allocation of income; redistribution is the state's secondary adjustment through taxes and transfers.
Word family
- redistribute (verb): To distribute something again or differently.
- redistributive (adjective): Intended to achieve redistribution.
Collocations
- redistribution of wealth
- income redistribution
- tax-funded redistribution
- redistribution policy
Example sentences
- "Progressive tax rates are primary tools used by modern welfare states to achieve wealth redistribution." Political Philosophy
- "Advocates argue that wealth redistribution stimulates demand by placing cash into the hands of households with higher propensity to spend." Economic Theory
Memory hook
RE-DISTRIBUTE = Distribute RE-again to level the playing field. Sharing wealth again.
When not to use
Do not use to describe physical delivery of goods like shipping packages to warehouses.
Fun facts
- The Robin Hood legend is often cited as the archetype of forced wealth redistribution.
Related words
Explore more words
distributive, allocation, egalitarian, redress, allocate, restitution
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