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The Missing Type: Where Are the Inequality Averse (Students)?

Author

Listed:
  • Ernst Fehr

    (UZH - Universität Zürich [Zürich] = University of Zurich)

  • Thomas Epper

    (LEM - Lille économie management - UMR 9221 - UA - Université d'Artois - UCL - Université catholique de Lille - Université de Lille - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, IÉSEG School Of Management [Puteaux])

  • Julien Senn

    (UZH - Universität Zürich [Zürich] = University of Zurich)

Abstract

The empirical evidence on the existence of social preferences-or lack thereof-is predominantly based on student samples. Yet, knowledge about whether these findings can be extended to the general population is still scarce. In this paper, we compare the distribution of social preferences in a student and in a representative sample. Using descriptive analysis and a rigorous clustering approach, we show that the distribution of the general population's social preferences fundamentally differs from the students'

Suggested Citation

  • Ernst Fehr & Thomas Epper & Julien Senn, 2023. "The Missing Type: Where Are the Inequality Averse (Students)?," Working Papers hal-04362826, HAL.
    • Handle: RePEc:hal:wpaper:hal-04362826
    Note: View the original document on HAL open archive server: https://cnrs.hal.science/hal-04362826
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Social Preferences Altruism Inequality Aversion Preference Heterogeneity Demand for Redistribution JEL Codes: D31 D72 H23 H24; Social Preferences; Altruism; Inequality Aversion; Preference Heterogeneity;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C80 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Data Collection and Data Estimation Methodology; Computer Programs - - - General
    • C90 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - General
    • D30 - Microeconomics - - Distribution - - - General
    • D63 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Equity, Justice, Inequality, and Other Normative Criteria and Measurement

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