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Revisiting kin and ethnic favoritism in the bribery experiment

Author

Listed:
  • Akbari, Mahsa
  • Bahrami-Rad, Duman
  • Kimbrough, Erik O.

Abstract

We report a conceptual replication of Akbari et al. (2020), who study the impact of co-ethnicity and kinship on behavior in an experimental “bribery game”. In the game, player A can offer a bribe to B, who can help A by inefficiently transferring resources from passive third-party C. We replicate the finding that by varying the relatedness of A, B and C, we can substantially modulate the willingness of A to offer the bribe and the willingness of B to reciprocate the bribe by harming C. The findings are consistent with theories of kin altruism and ethnic favoritism.

Suggested Citation

  • Akbari, Mahsa & Bahrami-Rad, Duman & Kimbrough, Erik O., 2025. "Revisiting kin and ethnic favoritism in the bribery experiment," Economics Letters, Elsevier, vol. 256(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecolet:v:256:y:2025:i:c:s0165176525004069
    DOI: 10.1016/j.econlet.2025.112569
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    JEL classification:

    • C9 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments
    • D9 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics
    • D73 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Bureaucracy; Administrative Processes in Public Organizations; Corruption
    • Z1 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics

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