This book gives a systematic and extensive comparative analysis of public beliefs about social justice. Contrary to previous studies it attempts to link public opinion to the philosophical debate on distributive justice, but more importantly it connects the different opinion surveys with the current economic and political situation in the various countries. What can explain the cross-national variations, and if opinions do change over time, why is this so? Are people's beliefs influenced by existing welfare practices in the country? Do different policy regimes trigger different pattern of...