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Meritocracy meets cooperative behavior in redistribution decisions

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  • Cattaneo, Cristina
  • Grieco, Daniela
  • Daminato, Claudio

Abstract

The paper studies redistributive choices and tests the trade-off between a meritocratic ideal and the willingness to reward cooperation. We design an online experiment that collects information on real redistribution in favor of subjects that differ in relative performance and cooperative levels. Cooperative behavior plays a major role in making people “deserve” redistribution; furthermore, redistribution to reward cooperation is influenced by the subjects’ income. To quantify the weight of cooperative behavior in redistribution, we present a model and structurally estimate its parameters. We find that a percentage between 37% and 56% of total redistribution is driven by cooperation-related concerns.

Suggested Citation

  • Cattaneo, Cristina & Grieco, Daniela & Daminato, Claudio, 2026. "Meritocracy meets cooperative behavior in redistribution decisions," Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Economics (formerly The Journal of Socio-Economics), Elsevier, vol. 120(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:soceco:v:120:y:2026:i:c:s2214804325001491
    DOI: 10.1016/j.socec.2025.102485
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    JEL classification:

    • C71 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Game Theory and Bargaining Theory - - - Cooperative Games
    • D63 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Equity, Justice, Inequality, and Other Normative Criteria and Measurement
    • H23 - Public Economics - - Taxation, Subsidies, and Revenue - - - Externalities; Redistributive Effects; Environmental Taxes and Subsidies

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