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Genetic Variability and Collective Social Norms: The Case of Binge Drinking

Author

Listed:
  • Shogren, Jason F.

    (Department of Economics and Finance)

  • Nævdal, Eric

    (Department of Economics and HERO)

Abstract

This paper explores how collective social norms can have individual-level genetic foundation. Our study is the first we know to report a plausible link between genetically founded individual preferences in a fraction of a population and social norms governing behavior of all individuals. As our motivating example, we focus on patterns of Excessive Drinking in Social Situations (EDSS) across Europe that are possibly triggered by genetically caused variations in personality. The genetic trait is shyness, which correlates with eye color. We present empirical results indicating that alcohol consumption in social situations correlate with eye color and a model which suggests that conditions exist in which EDSS can emerge as a strategy in a larger fraction of the population than is genetically predisposed to EDSS. In addition, our model shows that alcohol taxes may be counter-productive in controlling the emergence of EDSS as a social norm.

Suggested Citation

  • Shogren, Jason F. & Nævdal, Eric, 2009. "Genetic Variability and Collective Social Norms: The Case of Binge Drinking," HERO Online Working Paper Series 2006:7, University of Oslo, Health Economics Research Programme.
    • Handle: RePEc:hhs:oslohe:2006_007
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    File URL: http://www.hero.uio.no/publicat/2006/HERO2006_7.pdf
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Excessive Drinking in Social Situations (EDSS); drinking behavior; genetically founded individual preferences; sosial norms;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I12 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Behavior
    • I18 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Government Policy; Regulation; Public Health

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