Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/260273 
Title: 
Year of Publication: 
2019
Series/Report no.: 
Working Paper No. 2019:3
Publisher: 
Lund University, School of Economics and Management, Department of Economics, Lund
Abstract: 
We develop a formal theory of decency. Shared values and understandings give rise to social norms. Norms may mandate collectively optimal behavior, but they need not do so. Furthermore, behavior can be affected by social values even if it stops short of norm compliance. Seeking stronger predictions, we propose a structural model of social values; society endorses efficiency and equality, but condemns ill-gotten gains. The model implies that decent people will tend to avoid situations that encourage prosocial behavior. It also rationalizes the existence of willful ignorance, intention-based negative reciprocity, and betrayal aversion
Subjects: 
Culture
Norms
Situations
Social Context
Social Preferences
JEL: 
D91
Z13
Document Type: 
Working Paper

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