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Are Anti-Vaxxers Anti-Social? How Convictions Shape Prosocial Behavior and Vaccination Decisions

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  • Amnon Maltz
  • Moti Michaeli
  • Sapir Gavriel

Abstract

We identify a “truncated U-shape†relationship between pro-social behavior and Covid-19 vaccination status. Non-vaxxers display the highest pro-sociality, partially vaccinated individuals the lowest, and fully vaccinated individuals lie in between. This pattern is interpreted as a reflection of the effect of personal convictions on vaccination decisions and pro-social behavior. Our key insights are incorporated in a model where the likelihood of actions aligning with preferences depends on the strength of convictions, which is heterogeneous across individuals. Our findings illuminate the complex interplay between preferences and actions in socially relevant contexts.

Suggested Citation

  • Amnon Maltz & Moti Michaeli & Sapir Gavriel, 2024. "Are Anti-Vaxxers Anti-Social? How Convictions Shape Prosocial Behavior and Vaccination Decisions," Carlo Alberto Notebooks 730 JEL Classification: D, Collegio Carlo Alberto.
    • Handle: RePEc:cca:wpaper:730
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