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Inequality as a Barrier to Economic Integration? An Experiment

Author

Listed:
  • Gabriele Camera

    (Economic Science Institute, Chapman University)

  • Lukas Hohl

    (University of Basel and Federal Finance Administration)

  • Rolf Weder

    (University of Basel)

Abstract

International economic theory suggests that people should embrace economic integration because it promises large gains. But policy reversals such as Brexit indicate a desire for economic disintegration. Here we report results of an experiment of how size and cross-country distribution of gains from integration influence individuals’ inclination to cooperate to reap its intended benefits and to embrace or reject integration. The design considers an indefinitely repeated helping game with multiple equilibria and strategic uncertainty. The data reveal that inequality of potential gains neither affected behavior nor reduced support for economic integration. However, integration may lead to disappointing, unequally distributed welfare gains, undermining support for the policy. This suggests that to better assess integration policies, we should account for the spillover effects of integration on behavior. Miscalculating this behavioral aspect may undermine the intended development goals and motivate calls for dramatic policy-reversals.

Suggested Citation

  • Gabriele Camera & Lukas Hohl & Rolf Weder, 2022. "Inequality as a Barrier to Economic Integration? An Experiment," Working Papers 22-16, Chapman University, Economic Science Institute.
    • Handle: RePEc:chu:wpaper:22-16
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    File URL: https://digitalcommons.chapman.edu/esi_working_papers/377/
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    Cited by:

    1. Rosokha, Yaroslav & Lyu, Xinxin & Tverskoi, Denis & Gavrilets, Sergey, 2025. "Cooperation under the shadow of political inequality," Journal of Economic Dynamics and Control, Elsevier, vol. 172(C).
    2. Jan Neugebauer & Marek Vokoun, 2024. "Economic and Political Dynamics of Globalization: A Review of Continuity and Change in Research Focus," International Journal of Economic Sciences, European Research Center, vol. 13(1), pages 30-57, May.

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • C70 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Game Theory and Bargaining Theory - - - General
    • C90 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - General
    • F02 - International Economics - - General - - - International Economic Order and Integration

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