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Evolutionary foundation for heterogeneity in risk aversion

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  • Heller, Yuval
  • Nehama, Ilan

Abstract

We examine the evolutionary basis for risk aversion with respect to aggregate risk. We study populations in which agents face choices between alternatives with different levels of aggregate risk. We show that the choices that maximize the long-run growth rate are induced by a heterogeneous population in which the least and most risk-averse agents are indifferent between facing an aggregate risk and obtaining its linear and harmonic mean for sure, respectively. Moreover, approximately optimal behavior can be induced by a simple distribution according to which all agents have constant relative risk aversion, and the coefficient of relative risk aversion is uniformly distributed between zero and two.

Suggested Citation

  • Heller, Yuval & Nehama, Ilan, 2023. "Evolutionary foundation for heterogeneity in risk aversion," Journal of Economic Theory, Elsevier, vol. 208(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jetheo:v:208:y:2023:i:c:s0022053123000133
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jet.2023.105617
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Heller, Yuval & Robson, Arthur J., 2021. "Evolution, heritable risk and skewness loving," Theoretical Economics, Econometric Society, vol. 16(2), May.
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    7. Pierre‐André Chiappori & Monica Paiella, 2011. "Relative Risk Aversion Is Constant: Evidence From Panel Data," Journal of the European Economic Association, European Economic Association, vol. 9(6), pages 1021-1052, December.
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    Cited by:

    1. Manuel Staab, 2023. "Evolution of Risk-Taking Behaviour and Status Preferences in Anti-coordination Games," Dynamic Games and Applications, Springer, vol. 13(4), pages 1320-1342, December.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Evolution of preferences; Risk interdependence; Long-run growth rate;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D81 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Criteria for Decision-Making under Risk and Uncertainty

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