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Altruism and the pressure to share: Lab evidence from Tanzania

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  • Salvatore Di Falco
  • Razack Lokina
  • Peter Martinsson
  • Paolo Pin

Abstract

We propose a novel laboratory experiment to document the pressure to share income within social networks in Africa. We find that the redistributive pressure exerted via the possibility of receiving a claim increases altruism, while the possibility of hiding from such claim reduces it. Our results indicate that sharing norms are crucial drivers of giving to other members of the network. We also find that pressure to share has a detrimental effect on the undertaking of profitable but risky investments.

Suggested Citation

  • Salvatore Di Falco & Razack Lokina & Peter Martinsson & Paolo Pin, 2019. "Altruism and the pressure to share: Lab evidence from Tanzania," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 14(5), pages 1-19, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0212747
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0212747
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    4. Manuela Angelucci & Giacomo De Giorgi, 2009. "Indirect Effects of an Aid Program: How Do Cash Transfers Affect Ineligibles' Consumption?," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 99(1), pages 486-508, March.
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    Cited by:

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