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Challenging the free-rider: Children behavior in a public goods game

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  • Caserta, Maurizio
  • Distefano, Rosaria
  • Ferrante, Livio
  • Reito, Francesco

Abstract

This paper presents the results of an educational program designed to promote prosocial attitudes among 11-year-old children in Southern Italy. The experiment investigates whether education on socially beneficial behavior can increase voluntary contributions in a standard public goods game and reduce free riding. The program consists of five interactive lectures delivered by young economics students on sustainable consumption, social responsibility, and environmental awareness. Results suggest that participation in the program significantly increases both the probability of contributing and the size of contributions. Interestingly, the transmission of prosocial behavior appears to have a stronger impact among students from lower socio-economic backgrounds.

Suggested Citation

  • Caserta, Maurizio & Distefano, Rosaria & Ferrante, Livio & Reito, Francesco, 2025. "Challenging the free-rider: Children behavior in a public goods game," Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Economics (formerly The Journal of Socio-Economics), Elsevier, vol. 117(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:soceco:v:117:y:2025:i:c:s2214804325000667
    DOI: 10.1016/j.socec.2025.102400
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • C93 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Field Experiments
    • I20 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - General
    • H41 - Public Economics - - Publicly Provided Goods - - - Public Goods

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