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The Illusion of Moral Superiority: Evidence from the Energy Crisis

Author

Listed:
  • Markus Dertwinkel-Kalt
  • Christoph Feldhaus
  • Axel Ockenfels
  • Matthias Sutter

Abstract

We provide evidence in line with the illusion of moral superiority, a phenomenon that individuals perceive themselves to be more morally motivated than others. We analyze survey data collected during the 2022/23 energy crisis in Germany to investigate individuals' and others' motivations to reduce gas consumption, including both financial and non-financial (or ‘moral’) motives. Across two studies, we find evidence for the illusion of moral superiority: participants, on average, attribute stronger moral motives to their own savings compared to those of others.

Suggested Citation

  • Markus Dertwinkel-Kalt & Christoph Feldhaus & Axel Ockenfels & Matthias Sutter, 2025. "The Illusion of Moral Superiority: Evidence from the Energy Crisis," CESifo Working Paper Series 11837, CESifo.
    • Handle: RePEc:ces:ceswps:_11837
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    File URL: https://www.ifo.de/DocDL/cesifo1_wp11837.pdf
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    moral behavior; moral superiority; energy crisis.;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • H41 - Public Economics - - Publicly Provided Goods - - - Public Goods
    • D01 - Microeconomics - - General - - - Microeconomic Behavior: Underlying Principles
    • D02 - Microeconomics - - General - - - Institutions: Design, Formation, Operations, and Impact

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