  Support for redistribution depends on whether inequality stems from
differences in performance or luck, but different sources of luck may impact
redistribution differentially. We elicit redistribution decisions from a
U.S.-representative sample who observe worker earnings and whether luck
influenced their earnings directly ("lucky outcomes") or indirectly by
providing a relative advantage ("lucky opportunities"). Participants
redistribute less under lucky opportunities. When assessing the impact of
unequal opportunities, individuals rely on a heuristic that leads them to
underestimate how even a small relative advantage can substantially influence
worker earnings. Our findings highlight the role of inferential challenges in
shaping attitudes towards inequality.
