Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/98225 
Authors: 
Year of Publication: 
2014
Series/Report no.: 
ZEF Discussion Papers on Development Policy No. 188
Publisher: 
University of Bonn, Center for Development Research (ZEF), Bonn
Abstract: 
We relate to others in two important ways: we care about others, and we care about how we fare in comparison to others. In some contexts, these two forms of relatedness interact. Caring about others can conveniently be labeled altruism. Caring about how we fare in comparison with others who fare better than ourselves can conveniently be labeled relative deprivation. I provide examples of domains in which the incorporation of altruism and relative deprivation can point to novel perspectives and suggest rethinking, and possibly revising, long-held views. And I show that there are domains in which consideration of relative deprivation can substitute for the prevalence of altruism, and vice versa. I conclude that this is a fascinating sphere for research on economics and social behavior.
Subjects: 
Altruism
relative deprivation
economic and social behavior
JEL: 
D01
D03
D13
D31
D63
D64
F22
F24
J61
O15
Document Type: 
Working Paper

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