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The impact of distance on parochial altruism: An experimental investigation

Author

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  • Béatrice Boulu-Reshef

    (UO - Université d'Orléans, LEO - Laboratoire d'Économie d'Orleans [2022-...] - UO - Université d'Orléans - UT - Université de Tours - UCA - Université Clermont Auvergne)

  • Jonah Schulhofer-Wohl

    (Universiteit Leiden = Leiden University)

Abstract

Parochial altruism – individual sacrifice to benefit the in-group and harm an out-group –undermines inter-group cooperation and is implicated in a plethora of politically-significant behaviors. We report experimental evidence about the impact of variation in individuals’ distance to in-group members and to out-group members on parochial altruism in a setting in which inter-group conflict is made possible. We find that distance has systematic effects on individual choice. Parochial altruism is stimulated particularly when individuals’ distance to both their in- and out-group is high. Our results suggest that high distance may create a pathway to group-based individual action. Existing research focuses on the interaction between close-knit in-groups and proximate, threatening out-groups as the typical setting in which parochial altruism occurs. Our study indicates the need for future research to investigate how parochial altruism can occur across a wider range of in-group and out-group configurations.
(This abstract was borrowed from another version of this item.)

Suggested Citation

  • Béatrice Boulu-Reshef & Jonah Schulhofer-Wohl, 2022. "The impact of distance on parochial altruism: An experimental investigation," Post-Print hal-03789996, HAL.
    • Handle: RePEc:hal:journl:hal-03789996
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpoleco.2022.102222
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    JEL classification:

    • C91 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Laboratory, Individual Behavior
    • D74 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Conflict; Conflict Resolution; Alliances; Revolutions
    • H4 - Public Economics - - Publicly Provided Goods

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