Measuring the Welfare Effects of Shame and Pride

Luigi Butera, Robert Metcalfe, William Morrison, Dmitry Taubinsky

Publikation: Bidrag til tidsskriftTidsskriftartikelForskningpeer review

Abstract

Public recognition is frequently used to motivate desirable behavior, yet its welfare effects—such as costs of shame or gains from pride— are rarely measured. We develop a portable empirical methodology for measuring and monetizing social image utility, and we deploy it in experiments on exercise and charitable behavior. In all experiments, public recognition motivates desirable behavior but creates highly unequal image payoffs. High-performing individuals enjoy significant utility gains, while low-performing individuals incur significant utility losses. We estimate structural models of social signaling, and we use the models to explore the social efficiency of public recognition policies.
OriginalsprogEngelsk
TidsskriftAmerican Economic Review
Vol/bind112
Udgave nummer1
Sider (fra-til)122-168
Antal sider47
ISSN0002-8282
DOI
StatusUdgivet - jan. 2022

Bibliografisk note

Alternative title: Measuring the Welfare Effects of Shame and Prides.

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