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Do Strong Family Ties Inhibit Trust?

Author

Listed:
  • John Ermisch

    (University of Essex - University of Essex)

  • Diego Gambetta

    (Nuffield College - Nuffield College)

Abstract

We provide direct evidence that people with strong family ties have a lower level of trust in strangers than people with weak family ties, and argue that this association is causal. We also investigate the mechanisms that underlie this effect, and provide evidence that these revolve around the level of : factors that limit exposure limit subjects' experience as well as motivation to deal with strangers. Our findings are based on experimental data derived from a new design of the 'trust game' combined with panel survey data, both drawn from a sample of the British population.

Suggested Citation

  • John Ermisch & Diego Gambetta, 2010. "Do Strong Family Ties Inhibit Trust?," Post-Print hal-00849413, HAL.
    • Handle: RePEc:hal:journl:hal-00849413
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jebo.2010.05.007
    Note: View the original document on HAL open archive server: https://hal.science/hal-00849413
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    C93 D10; Trust; FamilyTies;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C93 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Field Experiments
    • D10 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - General

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