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Stress, Ethnicity, and Prosocial Behavior

Author

Listed:
  • Johannes Haushofer
  • Sara Lowes
  • Abednego Musau
  • David Ndetei
  • Nathan Nunn
  • Moritz Poll
  • Nancy Qian

Abstract

While observational evidence suggests that people behave more prosocially toward members of their own ethnic group, many laboratory studies fail to find this effect. One possible explanation is that coethnic preference only emerges during times of stress. To test this hypothesis, we pharmacologically increase levels of the stress hormone cortisol, after which participants complete laboratory experiments with coethnics and non-coethnics. We find mixed evidence that increased cortisol decreases prosocial behavior. Coethnic preferences do not vary with cortisol. However, in contrast to previous studies, we find strong and robust evidence of coethnic preference.

Suggested Citation

  • Johannes Haushofer & Sara Lowes & Abednego Musau & David Ndetei & Nathan Nunn & Moritz Poll & Nancy Qian, 2023. "Stress, Ethnicity, and Prosocial Behavior," Journal of Political Economy Microeconomics, University of Chicago Press, vol. 1(2), pages 225-269.
    • Handle: RePEc:ucp:jpemic:doi:10.1086/722367
    DOI: 10.1086/722367
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    JEL classification:

    • O12 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Microeconomic Analyses of Economic Development
    • Z10 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics - - - General

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