What does redistribution mean?
Redistribution is the act of allocating wealth, income, land, resources, opportunities, or power in a way that differs from the existing distribution. The word is especially prominent in economics and politics, where it may describe taxation, social benefits, land reform, or policies intended to reduce inequality. It can also be used more neutrally in situations involving resources, such as food, supplies, or organizational funds. Although redistribution does not necessarily involve taking resources from one group, that implication is common in political debate, where the term can indicate a controversial change in who benefits. In everyday contexts, the word may refer to any second or revised sharing of something. Its usefulness lies in distinguishing an initial arrangement from a later effort to make the allocation more equitable or otherwise different.
nounThe act of distributing something again or in a different way, especially the transfer of wealth, income, resources, or political power to different people or groups.
- The process of distributing wealth, income, resources, or opportunities differently from an existing arrangement.
"The government introduced a progressive tax system to support greater redistribution of income."
"Land redistribution gave farming families greater access to fertile land."
"The charity relies on the redistribution of donated supplies to communities affected by the disaster."
The plural is used when referring to separate acts or systems of redistributing something.
"The proposed redistributions would shift tax revenue toward public education."
Redistribution turns distribution into a political question: who receives more, who receives less, and who decides?
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does redistribution come from?
The word comes from the Latin verb distribuere, formed from dis- and tribuere, both elements associated with giving or assigning. Through French, distribution developed into English, and redistribution was formed by adding the prefix re-, meaning again or anew. Cognate forms include distribute, distribution, and distributive.
Related word forms
How redistribution is actually used
The term is especially common in political, economic, and social contexts. It may carry a neutral descriptive meaning, but it can also suggest an active effort to reduce inequality or transfer resources from one group to another.
Easily confused with redistribution
Redistribution means allocating resources, wealth, or income among people or groups, whereas redistricting means changing the boundaries of electoral districts.