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Status for the good guys: An experiment on charitable giving

Author

Listed:
  • Astrid Dannenberg
  • Olof Johansson‐Stenman
  • Heike Wetzel

Abstract

We study the social status motive in an experiment at an art‐house cinema in Germany where movie‐goers can make monetary contributions to help the cinema become climate neutral. Our key result is that offering high contributors a “social status gift” that displays their good deed increases both the likelihood of a high contribution and mean contributions. It performs significantly better than previously studied mechanisms, such as the removal of anonymity, the provision of a reference point, or a neutral thank‐you gift, and it also performs better than offering high contributors publicity through social media.

Suggested Citation

  • Astrid Dannenberg & Olof Johansson‐Stenman & Heike Wetzel, 2022. "Status for the good guys: An experiment on charitable giving," Economic Inquiry, Western Economic Association International, vol. 60(2), pages 721-740, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:ecinqu:v:60:y:2022:i:2:p:721-740
    DOI: 10.1111/ecin.13039
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Leites, Martín & Rivero, Analía & Salas, Gonzalo, 2024. "The positionality of goods and the positional concern’s origin," Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Economics (formerly The Journal of Socio-Economics), Elsevier, vol. 109(C).
    3. Dannenberg, Astrid & Klatt, Charlotte & Weingärtner, Eva, 2024. "The effects of social norms and observability on food choice," Food Policy, Elsevier, vol. 125(C).

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