From Peer Pressure to Biased Norms

B-Tier
Journal: American Economic Journal: Microeconomics
Year: 2017
Volume: 9
Issue: 1
Pages: 152-216

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

This paper studies a coordination game between a continuum of players with heterogeneous tastes who perceive peer pressure when behaving differently from each other. It characterizes the conditions under which a social norm--a mode of behavior followed by many--exists in equilibrium and the patterns of norm compliance. The emergent norm may be biased compared to the average taste in society, yet endogenously upheld by the population. Strikingly, a biased norm will, under some circumstances, be more sustainable than a non-biased norm, which may explain the bias of various social and religious norms.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:aea:aejmic:v:9:y:2017:i:1:p:152-216
Journal Field
General
Author Count
2
Added to Database
2026-01-26