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A Stepping Stone Approach to Norm Transitions

Author

Listed:
  • Selim Gulesci
  • Sam Jindani
  • Eliana La Ferrara
  • David Smerdon
  • Munshi Sulaiman
  • Peyton Young

Abstract

We propose a model to study when an intermediate action can serve as a stepping stone that enables the elimination of a harmful norm. While the intermediate action may facilitate the first "step," it may also become a new norm. We derive intuitive conditions for stepping stones, which depend on the relative size of social penalties and intrinsic utility benefits. We propose an econometric approach to testing whether an intermediate action is a stepping stone, and apply it to original data on female genital cutting in Somalia. The analysis shows that the intermediate action may become the new norm.

Suggested Citation

  • Selim Gulesci & Sam Jindani & Eliana La Ferrara & David Smerdon & Munshi Sulaiman & Peyton Young, 2025. "A Stepping Stone Approach to Norm Transitions," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 115(7), pages 2237-2266, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:aea:aecrev:v:115:y:2025:i:7:p:2237-66
    DOI: 10.1257/aer.20230458
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • I12 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Behavior
    • J16 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Gender; Non-labor Discrimination
    • O15 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Economic Development: Human Resources; Human Development; Income Distribution; Migration
    • O17 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Formal and Informal Sectors; Shadow Economy; Institutional Arrangements
    • Z13 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics - - - Economic Sociology; Economic Anthropology; Language; Social and Economic Stratification

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