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Alcohol Expenditure, Generosity and Empathy

Author

Listed:
  • David Fielding

    (Department of Economics, University of Otago, New Zealand)

  • Stephen Knowles

    (Department of Economics, University of Otago, New Zealand)

  • Kirsten Robertson

    (Department of Marketing, University of Otago, New Zealand)

Abstract

Existing studies suggest that alcohol dependency (or recovery from alcohol dependency) is associated with lower levels of empathy and generosity. We present results from a charitable donation experiment which shows that in a student population, higher levels of alcohol expenditure are associated with significantly less generosity. However, there is no significant association between alcohol expenditure and empathy (as measured by the Empathy Quotient Scale), which suggests that the relationship between alcohol expenditure on generosity is mediated through some other channel.

Suggested Citation

  • David Fielding & Stephen Knowles & Kirsten Robertson, 2017. "Alcohol Expenditure, Generosity and Empathy," Working Papers 1711, University of Otago, Department of Economics, revised Dec 2017.
    • Handle: RePEc:otg:wpaper:1711
    as

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    File URL: http://www.otago.ac.nz/economics/otago670096.pdf
    File Function: First version, 2017
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    alcohol; generosity; empathy; Dictator Game;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D64 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Altruism; Philanthropy; Intergenerational Transfers
    • I19 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Other

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