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Aversion to Inequality and Segregating Equilibria

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  • Cabrales Goitia Antonio

    (UNIVERSITY CARLOS III OF MADRID)

  • Calvó-Armengol Antoni

    (UNIVERSITY CARLOS III OF MADRID)

Abstract

This working paper shows that models where preferences of individuals depend not only on their allocations, but also on the well-being of other persons, can produce both large and testable effects. We study the allocation to firms of workers with heterogeneous productivities to firms. We show that even small deviations from purely selfish preferences lead to widespread workplace skill segregation. This result holds for a broad class and distribution of social preferences. That is, workers of different abilities tend to work in different firms, as long as they care somewhat more about the utilities of workers who are close.

Suggested Citation

  • Cabrales Goitia Antonio & Calvó-Armengol Antoni, 2007. "Aversion to Inequality and Segregating Equilibria," Working Papers 201083, Fundacion BBVA / BBVA Foundation.
    • Handle: RePEc:fbb:wpaper:201083
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Pedro Rey‐Biel, 2008. "Inequity Aversion and Team Incentives," Scandinavian Journal of Economics, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 110(2), pages 297-320, June.
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • A13 - General Economics and Teaching - - General Economics - - - Relation of Economics to Social Values
    • C72 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Game Theory and Bargaining Theory - - - Noncooperative Games
    • D64 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Altruism; Philanthropy; Intergenerational Transfers
    • D80 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - General
    • J41 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Particular Labor Markets - - - Labor Contracts

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