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Where do fairness preferences come from? Norm transmission in a teen friendship network

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  • David Hugh-Jones

    (University of East Anglia)

  • Jinnie Ool

    (University of East Anglia)

Abstract

People's preferences about the fair distribution of resources vary within and between different populations, and this affects many economic and political outcomes. We argue that a source of these differences is the social transmission of fairness norms from peers during adolescence. We ran an experiment on transmission of fairness norms in a friendship network of 11-15 year olds. Observing others' choices affects young people's fairness norms, as expressed in both their own choices and the attitudes they express. Our results show how young people can adopt redistributive norms via the social influence of their peer group. We also examine how the strength of social influence varies with friendship status and network position.

Suggested Citation

  • David Hugh-Jones & Jinnie Ool, 2017. "Where do fairness preferences come from? Norm transmission in a teen friendship network," University of East Anglia School of Economics Working Paper Series 2017-02, School of Economics, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK..
    • Handle: RePEc:uea:ueaeco:2017_02
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    Cited by:

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    2. Dimant, Eugen, 2019. "Contagion of pro- and anti-social behavior among peers and the role of social proximity," Journal of Economic Psychology, Elsevier, vol. 73(C), pages 66-88.

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