Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/339362 
Year of Publication: 
2026
Series/Report no.: 
ECONtribute Discussion Paper No. 389
Publisher: 
University of Bonn and University of Cologne, Reinhard Selten Institute (RSI), Bonn and Cologne
Abstract: 
This paper provides clear evidence that concerns for basic needs satisfaction (BNS) represent a distinct distributional motive. Using a unified theoretical and experimental framework across five dictator-game experiments in Germany and Georgia (N=446), we disentangle BNS from motives such as maximin, selfishness, efficiency, generosity, and envy. A substantial share of participants displayed BNS-driven choices and were willing to forgo income and efficiency to satisfy others' basic needs. BNS remained robust across contexts, incentive schemes, and countries, and increased when needs satisfaction had strategic relevance. The results highlight the importance of BNS for understanding distributional preferences and policy design.
Subjects: 
Basic Needs
Redistribution
Distributional Motives
Maximin
Public Policy
Field Experiment
Laboratory Experiment
JEL: 
D31
D63
H23
C93
C91
D01
D91
Document Type: 
Working Paper

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