Scandinavian Working Papers in Economics
EfD Discussion Paper,
Environment for Development, University of Gothenburg
No 22-5: Distributional Preferences in Adolescent Peer Networks
Simon Schürz (), Yonas Alem (), Martin G. Kocher () and Fredrik Carlsson ()
Additional contact information
Simon Schürz: Federal Statistical office of Germany
Yonas Alem: Environment for Development and Department of Economics, University of Gothenburg
Martin G. Kocher: Department of Economics, University of Vienna, and Department of Economics, University of Gothenburg
Fredrik Carlsson: Department of Economics, University of Gothenburg
Abstract: We study distributional preferences in adolescent peer networks. Using incentivized choices between allocations for themselves and a passive agent, children are classified into efficiency-loving, inequality-loving, inequality-averse, and spiteful types. We find that pairs of students who report a friendship link are more likely to exhibit the same preference type than other students who attend the same school. The relation between types is almost completely driven by inequality-loving and spiteful types. The role of peer networks in explaining distributional preferences goes beyond network composition effects. A low rank in academic performance and a central position within the network relate positively to a higher likelihood of being classified as spiteful. Hence, social hierarchies seem to be correlated with distributional preference types.
Keywords: Social Preferences; Peers; Networks; Preference Transmission
Language: English
37 pages, November 20, 2022
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