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Survival of altruistic preferences in a large population public goods game

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  • Bandhu, Sarvesh
  • Lahkar, Ratul

Abstract

A large population of agents play a public goods game. Agents’ subjective payoff differs according to their level of altruism. More altruistic agents generate greater positive externality in Nash equilibrium. The strength of institutions determines the extent to which agents can materially benefit from the positive externalities they generate. Therefore, stronger institutions confer evolutionary advantage on more altruistic preferences, enabling such preferences to survive and proliferate.

Suggested Citation

  • Bandhu, Sarvesh & Lahkar, Ratul, 2023. "Survival of altruistic preferences in a large population public goods game," Economics Letters, Elsevier, vol. 226(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecolet:v:226:y:2023:i:c:s0165176523001386
    DOI: 10.1016/j.econlet.2023.111113
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Bester, Helmut & Guth, Werner, 1998. "Is altruism evolutionarily stable?," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 34(2), pages 193-209, February.
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    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Public goods game; Indirect evolution; Altruism;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C72 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Game Theory and Bargaining Theory - - - Noncooperative Games
    • C73 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Game Theory and Bargaining Theory - - - Stochastic and Dynamic Games; Evolutionary Games
    • D62 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Externalities

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