What is "predistribution"

n. A distribution made in advance

Pre-distribution (also written as Predistribution) is a neologism coined by Yale University Professor Jacob Hacker in a paper called "The Institutional Foundations of Middle Class Democracy" published by the think tank Policy Network. Pre-distribution is the idea that the state should try to prevent inequalities occurring in the first place rather than ameliorating inequalities through the tax and benefits system once they have occurred as occurs under redistribution.

In addition, the term 'predistribution' has been used (in the same sense as indicated above) by authors James Robertson and Joseph Huber in the book, Creating New Money (New Economics Foundation, London, UK) and, then, in various publications associated with the Campaign for Co-operative Socialism, including a set of five articles published in Winter 2009/2010 by The CCPA Monitor (the publication of the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives), and then, in May 2010, as a collection: CCPA Readings on Co-operative Socialism.