Predistribution

Pre-distribution (or Predistribution) is the idea that the state should try to prevent inequalities occurring in the first place rather than ameliorating them via tax and benefits once they have occurred, as occurs under redistribution.

The term is a neologism coined by Yale University Professor Jacob Hacker in his paper, "The Institutional Foundations of Middle Class Democracy" published by the think tank Policy Network. It has been used in the same sense by authors James Robertson and Joseph Huber in the book, Creating New Money (New Economics Foundation, London, UK). It is also employed in various publications associated with the Campaign for Co-operative Socialism, including a set of five articles published in 2009/2010 by The CCPA Monitor (the publication of the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives), and republished in 2010 as a collection, CCPA Readings on Co-operative Socialism.