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Intergenerational cooperation within the household: a Public Good game with three generations

Author

Listed:
  • José Alberto Molina

    (University of Zaragoza
    Institute for the Study of Labor-IZA
    Universidad de Zaragoza)

  • Alfredo Ferrer

    (Universidad de Zaragoza)

  • J. Ignacio Giménez-Nadal

    (University of Zaragoza
    Universidad de Zaragoza)

  • Carlos Gracia-Lázaro

    (Universidad de Zaragoza
    UC3M-UV-UZ)

  • Yamir Moreno

    (Universidad de Zaragoza
    UC3M-UV-UZ
    ISI Foundation)

  • Angel Sánchez

    (Universidad de Zaragoza
    UC3M-UV-UZ
    Universidad Carlos III de Madrid
    Universidad Carlos III de Madrid)

Abstract

We analyze cooperation of individuals in a family context, using a Public Good game. In a lab experiment, 165 individuals from 55 three-generation families (youth, parent, and grandparent) play a repeated Public Good game in three different treatments: one in which three members of the same family play each other (family), a second with the youth and two non-family members, while preserving the previous generational structure (inter-generational), and a third in which three randomly-selected players play each other (random). We find that all the age groups cooperate more when playing with relatives, indicating that family ties may have a positive relationship to contributions to the Public Good. We also find that this trend is more evident for the youths and the parents than for the grandparents. Furthermore, young individuals tend to cooperate less than older generations, especially in non-family treatments. Our results serve as evidence of the relationship between family ties and inter-generational cooperative behaviors.

Suggested Citation

  • José Alberto Molina & Alfredo Ferrer & J. Ignacio Giménez-Nadal & Carlos Gracia-Lázaro & Yamir Moreno & Angel Sánchez, 2019. "Intergenerational cooperation within the household: a Public Good game with three generations," Review of Economics of the Household, Springer, vol. 17(2), pages 535-552, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:reveho:v:17:y:2019:i:2:d:10.1007_s11150-018-9414-4
    DOI: 10.1007/s11150-018-9414-4
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    7. Bellido, Héctor, 2020. "La transición del sistema educativo al mercado laboral en Europa: Efectos del abandono escolar en la incorporación al trabajo de los jóvenes europeos [The transition from the education system to th," MPRA Paper 103071, University Library of Munich, Germany.

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