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Preferences for Policies from the Perspectives of Different Generations: Evidence from a Stated Choice Experiment in Japan

Author

Listed:
  • Yoichiro Tsuji

    (Graduate School of Economics, Kobe University, JAPAN)

  • Junyi Shen

    (Research Institute of Economics and Business Administration, Kobe University, JAPAN)

Abstract

Although policy choices can impact not only the present but future generations, only the present generation can make such choices. If a policy imposes a burden on future generations, will the present generation consider the policy's impact on future generations when making a choice? In response to this intergenerational social dilemma, numerous empirical studies have shown that when asked to imagine themselves as a future generation, the present generation's participation in resource distribution decision-making is significantly impacted for decisions that consider future generations; moreover, local governments in Japan have made efforts that use this methodology as a social practice (Saijo, 2022). In this study, we aim to clarify what is needed for future generations to be considered by analyzing the respondents' policy preferences using an online stated choice experiment survey. The respondents were assigned different generational standpoints and were asked to choose their favorite of three policy packages, each of which comprised several policies. The results show that, in general, respondents tended to avoid placing direct burdens on the present generation, regardless of the generation they represented. However, respondents who took their children and grandchildren's standpoints tended to prefer policies that would not burden future generations. In addition, respondents with prosocial tendencies made choices that focused on future generations.

Suggested Citation

  • Yoichiro Tsuji & Junyi Shen, 2024. "Preferences for Policies from the Perspectives of Different Generations: Evidence from a Stated Choice Experiment in Japan," Discussion Paper Series DP2024-17, Research Institute for Economics & Business Administration, Kobe University.
    • Handle: RePEc:kob:dpaper:dp2024-17
    as

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    File URL: https://www.rieb.kobe-u.ac.jp/academic/ra/dp/English/DP2024-17.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    3. Tatsuyoshi Saijo, 2022. "Future Design for Sustainable Nature and Societies," Working Papers SDES-2022-1, Kochi University of Technology, School of Economics and Management, revised Jan 2022.
    4. Miyazato, Naomi, 2015. "Intergenerational redistribution policies of the 1990s and 2000s in Japan: An analysis using generational accounting," Japan and the World Economy, Elsevier, vol. 34, pages 1-16.
    5. Murphy, Ryan O. & Ackermann, Kurt A. & Handgraaf, Michel J. J., 2011. "Measuring Social Value Orientation," Judgment and Decision Making, Cambridge University Press, vol. 6(8), pages 771-781, December.
    6. Timilsina, Raja R & Kotani, Koji & Nakagawa, Yoshinori & Saijo, Tatsuyoshi, 2021. "Concerns for future generations in societies: A deliberative analysis of the intergenerational sustainability dilemma," Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Economics (formerly The Journal of Socio-Economics), Elsevier, vol. 90(C).
    7. Andrew Schotter & Barry Sopher, 2003. "Social Learning and Coordination Conventions in Intergenerational Games: An Experimental Study," Journal of Political Economy, University of Chicago Press, vol. 111(3), pages 498-529, June.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Generational standpoint; Policy preferences; Stated choice experiment; Present generation; Future generation;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C25 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Discrete Regression and Qualitative Choice Models; Discrete Regressors; Proportions; Probabilities
    • D64 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Altruism; Philanthropy; Intergenerational Transfers
    • H50 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - General

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