Cognitive dissonance, status and growth of the underclass

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Oxoby, RJ
• 署名单位: University of Calgary
• 刊物名称: ECONOMIC JOURNAL
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0013-0133
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-0297.2004.00241.x
• 发表日期: 2004
• 页码: 727-749
• 关键词: status-seeking; social-status; ORGANIZATION; NORMS

摘要

We present a model of cognitive adaptation to examine the growth and behaviours of the underclass. In the model, individuals experiencing cognitive dissonance between status seeking and social recognition adapt their attitudes regarding what is deemed status worthy. This yields the endogenous formation of an underclass in which non-pecuniary social returns counteract the effect of traditional incentives (i.e. wages) in motivating behaviour. By gaining insight into the process of psychological adaptation of those living in poverty, the paper sheds light on economic policies that mitigate the disenfranchisement and hence the growth of the underclass.