The difference principle in light of public opinion: A comparative perspective

According to John Rawls, the maximin principle, which aims to maximize the economic well-being of the most disadvantaged, is one of the fundamental principles of social justice. Two surveys conducted in France (PISJ, 2009) and Italy (OSCF, 2022), using scenarios that place respondents behind a relative “veil of ignorance” and representative samples by quotas, demonstrate that this principle is widely preferred over greater equality or an overall increase in wealth. These survey results hold true both before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. This individual preference for the maximin principle transcends various social divisions and indicates a strong sense of justice among the respondents, as they prefer to live in a society they perceive as fair. However, when it comes to deciding whether it is fairer for the poorest to be more numerous and earn more or for them to be less numerous and earn less, respondents show more uncertainty. The consistent convergence of these results over time confirms their robustness.