A theory of tolerance

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Corneo, Giacomo; Jeanne, Olivier
• 署名单位: Free University of Berlin; Centre for Economic Policy Research - UK; Leibniz Association; Ifo Institut; IZA Institute Labor Economics; Johns Hopkins University
• 刊物名称: JOURNAL OF PUBLIC ECONOMICS
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0047-2727
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jpubeco.2009.02.005
• 发表日期: 2009
• 页码: 691-702
• 关键词: tolerance; Value systems; cultural transmission

摘要

We propose a theory of tolerance where endogenous lifestyles and exogenous traits are invested with symbolic value by people. Value systems chosen by parents for their children affect the esteem enjoyed by individuals in society. Intolerant individuals attach all symbolic value to a small number of attributes and are irrespectful of people with different ones. Tolerant people have diversified values and respect social alterity. We study the formation of values attached to various types of attributes and identify circumstances under which tolerance spontaneously arises. Policy may affect the evolution of tolerance in distinctive ways, and there may be efficiency as well as equity reasons to promote tolerance. An empirical investigation of tolerance of homosexuality demonstrates that our theory helps to shed light on survey data of endorsed values. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.