Group Identity and Social Preferences

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Chen, Yan; Li, Sherry Xin
• 署名单位: University of Michigan System; University of Michigan; University of Texas System; University of Texas Dallas
• 刊物名称: AMERICAN ECONOMIC REVIEW
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0002-8282
• DOI: 10.1257/aer.99.1.431
• 发表日期: 2009
• 页码: 431-457
• 关键词: economics; BEHAVIOR; GENDER; COOPERATION; RECIPROCITY; fairness; SALIENCE; game

摘要

We present a laboratory, experiment that measures the effects of induced group identity, on social preferences. We find that when participants are matched with an ingroup member, they show a 47 percent increase in charity concerns and a 93 percent decrease in envy. Likewise, participants are 19 percent more likely to reward an ingroup match for good behavior, but 13 percent less likely to punish an ingroup match for misbehavior. Furthermore, participants are significantly more likely to choose social-welfare-maximizing actions when matched with an ingroup member. All results are consistent with the hypothesis that participants are more altruistic toward an ingroup match. (JEL C91, D03, Z13)