Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/222140 
Year of Publication: 
2020
Series/Report no.: 
Discussion Paper No. 243
Publisher: 
Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München und Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Collaborative Research Center Transregio 190 - Rationality and Competition, München und Berlin
Abstract: 
Aggressive behavior against out-group members often rises during periods of economic hardship and health pandemics. Here, we test the widespread concern that the Covid-19 crisis may fuel hostility against people from other nations or ethnic minorities. Using a controlled money-burning task, we elicited hostile behavior among a nationally representative sample (n=2,186) in the Czech Republic, at a time when the entire population was under lockdown. We provide causal evidence that exogenously elevating salience of the Covid-19 crisis magnifies hostility against foreigners. This behavioral response is similar across various demographic sub-groups. The results underscore the importance of not inflaming anti-foreigner sentiments and suggest that efforts to restore international trade and cooperation will need to address both social and economic damage.
Subjects: 
COVID-19
pandemic
scapegoating
hostility
inter-group conflict
discrimination
experiment
JEL: 
C90
D01
D63
D91
J15
Document Type: 
Working Paper

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