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Lawmakers as Norm Entrepreneurs

Author

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  • Carbonara Emanuela

    (University of Bologna, Department of Economics)

  • Parisi Francesco

    (University of Bologna, Department of Economics; University of Minnesota Law School)

  • von Wangenheim Georg

    (University of Kassel, Faculty of Law)

Abstract

In this paper we consider the role of lawmakers as norm entrepreneurs. Drawing from expressive law theories and social response theories, we shed light on the role of law in shaping social values and norms, and on the ability of the law to produce social norms where they did not exist before. Furthermore, we unveil a possible undesirable effect of legal intervention, where a legal innovation can cause social divide and possible conflicts.

Suggested Citation

  • Carbonara Emanuela & Parisi Francesco & von Wangenheim Georg, 2008. "Lawmakers as Norm Entrepreneurs," Review of Law & Economics, De Gruyter, vol. 4(3), pages 779-799, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:bpj:rlecon:v:4:y:2008:i:3:n:5
    DOI: 10.2202/1555-5879.1320
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    1. repec:cdl:oplwec:qt5h6970h8 is not listed on IDEAS
    2. repec:cdl:oplwec:qt3w34j60j is not listed on IDEAS
    3. Cooter, Robert, 1998. "Expressive Law and Economics," The Journal of Legal Studies, University of Chicago Press, vol. 27(2), pages 585-608, June.
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    Cited by:

    1. Yörük, Barış K., 2023. "Does public policy affect attitudes? Evidence from age-based health insurance coverage policies in the United States," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 205(C), pages 287-302.
    2. Schnellenbach, Jan, 2012. "Nudges and norms: On the political economy of soft paternalism," European Journal of Political Economy, Elsevier, vol. 28(2), pages 266-277.
    3. Kotsadam, Andreas & Jakobsson, Niklas, 2011. "Do laws affect attitudes? An assessment of the Norwegian prostitution law using longitudinal data," International Review of Law and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 31(2), pages 103-115, June.
    4. Ambrosino, Angela & Fiori, Stefano, 2017. "How Can Formal Norms Change Informal Norms? Douglass North’s Approach to Ideologies and Institutional Change," Department of Economics and Statistics Cognetti de Martiis. Working Papers 201707, University of Turin.
    5. Francis, Andrew M. & Mialon, Hugo M. & Peng, Handie, 2012. "In sickness and in health: Same-sex marriage laws and sexually transmitted infections," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 75(8), pages 1329-1341.
    6. Mankat, Fabian, 2024. "Cooperation, norms, and gene-culture coevolution," Games and Economic Behavior, Elsevier, vol. 147(C), pages 242-267.
    7. Astrid Dannenberg & Gunnar Gutsche & Marlene Batzke & Sven Christens & Daniel Engler & Fabian Mankat & Sophia Moeller & Eva Weingaertner & Andreas Ernst & Marcel Lumkowsky & Georg von Wangenheim & Ger, 2022. "The effects of norms on environmental behavior," MAGKS Papers on Economics 202219, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Faculty of Business Administration and Economics, Department of Economics (Volkswirtschaftliche Abteilung).
    8. Carbonara, Emanuela & Pasotti, Piero, 2010. "Social dynamics and minority protection," International Review of Law and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 30(4), pages 317-328, December.

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