The Stability of Social Preferences in a Low‐Income Neighborhood

C-Tier
Journal: Southern Economic Journal
Year: 2012
Volume: 79
Issue: 1
Pages: 15-45

Authors (3)

Angela C. M. de Oliveira (not in RePEc) Catherine Eckel (Texas A&M University) Rachel T. A. Croson (not in RePEc)

Score contribution per author:

0.335 = (α=2.01 / 3 authors) × 0.5x C-tier

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

Abstract

We investigate whether social preferences are stable across contexts using a field population of low‐income Americans. We develop and demonstrate a simplified, visually‐based experimental methodology appropriate for this population. We show that choices in a laboratory public goods game predict giving in real donation experiments, as well as self‐reported donations and volunteering outside the lab. At the same time, choices vary systematically by individual characteristics and decision context. Thus, our results provide evidence both for an underlying stable social preference and for the role of context in influencing the expression of that preference.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:wly:soecon:v:79:y:2012:i:1:p:15-45
Journal Field
General
Author Count
3
Added to Database
2026-01-25