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Psychologische Restriktionen wirtschaftspolitischer Reformen

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  • Friedrich Heinemann
  • Michael Förg
  • Eva Jonas
  • Eva Traut‐Mattausch

Abstract

Suggestions for economic policy reform are regularly confronted with the problem of lacking reform acceptance in the political process and among the general public. So far “Reformstau” is widely analysed as a consequence of collective action failures. In contrast to these approaches based on standard assumptions of rationality this contribution explores behavioral economics explanations. It is shown that prospect theory and related phenomena can help to understand reform resistance. Experimental evidence with respect to current German reform debates is presented which supports this view. Taking account of psychological reform obstacles is shown to be useful to derive reform and communication strategies.

Suggested Citation

  • Friedrich Heinemann & Michael Förg & Eva Jonas & Eva Traut‐Mattausch, 2008. "Psychologische Restriktionen wirtschaftspolitischer Reformen," Perspektiven der Wirtschaftspolitik, Verein für Socialpolitik, vol. 9(4), pages 383-404, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:perwir:v:9:y:2008:i:4:p:383-404
    DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-2516.2008.00285.x
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Dominik H. Enste & Alexandra Haferkamp & Detlef Fetchenhauer, 2009. "Unterschiede im Denken zwischen Ökonomen und Laien – Erklärungsansätze zur Verbesserung der wirtschaftspolitischen Beratung," Perspektiven der Wirtschaftspolitik, Verein für Socialpolitik, vol. 10(1), pages 60-78, February.
    3. Friedrich Heinemann, 2010. "Eine Gabe an St. Nimmerlein?– Zur zeitlichen Dimension der Schuldenbremse," Perspektiven der Wirtschaftspolitik, Verein für Socialpolitik, vol. 11(3), pages 246-259, August.

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