Measuring the relative importance of utilitarian and egalitarian values: A study of individual differences about fair distribution

Abstract

Utility and equity are identified as superordinate values determining the parameters of the distribution of objects or events on which other values are placed. A trade-off exists between maximizing total utility and guaranteeing complete equity. Three empirical studies that included 102 graduate students in public administration demonstrated striking individual differences in the relative importance placed on egalitarian and utilitarian principles. Study 3 proposed a utility–equity scale and demonstrated its convergent and discriminant validities with regard to the measure's Conservatism, Religiosity, and Dogmatism subscales. A secondary finding suggests that religious liberals tend to be significantly more egalitarian than nonreligious conservatives. (38 ref) (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)