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Paternalistic interventions: determinants of demand and supply

Author

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  • Björn Bartling
  • Krishna Srinivasan

Abstract

This study investigates the determinants of individuals’ demand for and supply of paternalistic interventions—measures intended to help others avoid mistakes. Based on data from an incentivized experiment conducted with a large U.S. sample, we find that both demand and supply are higher for informational interventions than for those that restrict choice, and when targeted individuals perceive themselves or are per- ceived as more error-prone. Moreover, granting targets the right to withhold consent increases demand. These behavioral patterns, supported by participants’ free-text re- sponses, suggest that both receiving and supplying interventions entail utility costs, particularly when interventions infringe upon personal autonomy. Our findings in- form policy design by highlighting the importance of autonomy-preserving features such as choice options and consent rights in securing public support for paternalistic interventions.

Suggested Citation

  • Björn Bartling & Krishna Srinivasan, 2025. "Paternalistic interventions: determinants of demand and supply," ECON - Working Papers 469, Department of Economics - University of Zurich.
    • Handle: RePEc:zur:econwp:469
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    File URL: https://www.zora.uzh.ch/id/eprint/277623/1/econwp469.pdf
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Paternalism; interventions; consent rights; policy design;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C91 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Laboratory, Individual Behavior
    • D60 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - General
    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making

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