Group Identity and Social Preferences

S-Tier
Journal: American Economic Review
Year: 2009
Volume: 99
Issue: 1
Pages: 431-57

Authors (2)

Score contribution per author:

4.022 = (α=2.01 / 2 authors) × 4.0x S-tier

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

Abstract

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)

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:aea:aecrev:v:99:y:2009:i:1:p:431-57
Journal Field
General
Author Count
2
Added to Database
2026-01-25