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‘Everybody’s doing it’: on the persistence of bad social norms

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  • David Smerdon

    (University of Queensland)

  • Theo Offerman

    (University of Amsterdam)

  • Uri Gneezy

    (Rady School of Management, UCSD)

Abstract

We investigate how information about the preferences of others affects the persistence of ‘bad’ social norms. One view is that bad norms thrive even when people are informed of the preferences of others, since the bad norm is an equilibrium of a coordination game. The other view is based on pluralistic ignorance, in which uncertainty about others’ preferences is crucial. In an experiment, we find clear support for the pluralistic ignorance perspective . In addition, the strength of social interactions is important for a bad norm to persist. These findings help in understanding the causes of such bad norms, and in designing interventions to change them.

Suggested Citation

  • David Smerdon & Theo Offerman & Uri Gneezy, 2020. "‘Everybody’s doing it’: on the persistence of bad social norms," Experimental Economics, Springer;Economic Science Association, vol. 23(2), pages 392-420, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:expeco:v:23:y:2020:i:2:d:10.1007_s10683-019-09616-z
    DOI: 10.1007/s10683-019-09616-z
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Social norms; Pluralistic ignorance; Social interactions; Equilibrium selection; Conformity;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C92 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Laboratory, Group Behavior
    • D70 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - General
    • D90 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - General
    • Z10 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics - - - General

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