We, the rich: Inequality, identity and cooperation

B-Tier
Journal: Journal of Economic Behavior and Organization
Year: 2020
Volume: 178
Issue: C
Pages: 249-266

Score contribution per author:

1.005 = (α=2.01 / 2 authors) × 1.0x B-tier

α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count

Abstract

Inequality not only generates status differentials between rich and poor individuals, it also generates status differentials between groups of different composition and income level. We organise the social structure within which groups are embedded to manipulate their composition and relative status, thus inducing weaker or stronger group identities in their members via the processes of social categorization, identification and comparison. We therefore manipulate the fundamental components of group identity rather than resorting to ad hoc identity reinforcement tasks. How strongly individuals identify with each group will ultimately determine the degree of cooperativeness within the group and the whole society.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:eee:jeborg:v:178:y:2020:i:c:p:249-266
Journal Field
Theory
Author Count
2
Added to Database
2026-01-25