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Guilt aversion and moral commitment: Eve versus Adam

Author

Listed:
  • Giovanni Di Bartolomeo
  • Martin Dufwenberg
  • Stefano Papa
  • Laura Razzolini

Abstract

This study explores gender differences in individuals' motivations, focusing on guilt aversion and moral commitment. Using a random dictator game with pre-play communication and a partner-switching mechanism, the experiment separates belief-dependent guilt aversion from belief-independent moral commitment. The results support the idea that men are more guilt averse than women, while moral motivations appear to drive women's actions more strongly. The paper contributes to the experimental literature on promises, expectations, guilt aversion, and gender differences in behavioral motivations.

Suggested Citation

  • Giovanni Di Bartolomeo & Martin Dufwenberg & Stefano Papa & Laura Razzolini, 2023. "Guilt aversion and moral commitment: Eve versus Adam," CIMEO Working Paper Series 164, Centre for Investigation and Modelling of Experimental Observations (CIMEO).
    • Handle: RePEc:ter:wpaper:00164
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    Cited by:

    1. is not listed on IDEAS
    2. Alger, Ingela & Gavrilets, Sergey & Durkee, Patrick, 2024. "Proximate and ultimate drivers of norms and norm change," IAST Working Papers 24-163, Institute for Advanced Study in Toulouse (IAST), revised 10 Jun 2026.
    3. Giovanni Di Bartolomeo & Stefano Papa & Alessandra Pelloni, 2025. "Beyond Colors: Communication and Social Identity in Natural Groups," CEIS Research Paper 610, Tor Vergata University, CEIS, revised 10 Sep 2025.

    More about this item

    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • A13 - General Economics and Teaching - - General Economics - - - Relation of Economics to Social Values
    • C91 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Laboratory, Individual Behavior
    • D03 - Microeconomics - - General - - - Behavioral Microeconomics: Underlying Principles
    • D64 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Altruism; Philanthropy; Intergenerational Transfers

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