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The Rotten-Kid Theorem Meets the Samaritan's Dilemma

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  • Neil Bruce
  • Michael Waldman

Abstract

Becker derives the Rotten-Kid theorem -- that a child will not behave in a manner which lowers the parent's income more than it raises the child's -- in a one period setting. Not captured in Becker's analysis is that the family environment can exhibit what others refer to as the Samaritan's Dilemma. That is, children may consume too much in early periods because by doing so they can increase the income transfers they receive in later periods. In this paper we formally consider the Samaritan's Dilemma and its relation to the Rotten-Kid Theorem in a two period version of Becker's model.

Suggested Citation

  • Neil Bruce & Michael Waldman, 1986. "The Rotten-Kid Theorem Meets the Samaritan's Dilemma," Working Paper 650, Economics Department, Queen's University.
    • Handle: RePEc:qed:wpaper:650
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Becker, Gary S, 1974. "A Theory of Social Interactions," Journal of Political Economy, University of Chicago Press, vol. 82(6), pages 1063-1093, Nov.-Dec..
    2. Hirshleifer, Jack, 1977. "Shakespeare vs. Becker on Altruism: The Importance of Having the Last Word," Journal of Economic Literature, American Economic Association, vol. 15(2), pages 500-502, June.
    3. Bernheim, B Douglas & Shleifer, Andrei & Summers, Lawrence H, 1986. "The Strategic Bequest Motive," Journal of Labor Economics, University of Chicago Press, vol. 4(3), pages 151-182, July.
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