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The effect of paternalistic alternatives on attitudes toward default nudges

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  • HAGMAN, WILLIAM
  • ERLANDSSON, ARVID
  • DICKERT, STEPHAN
  • TINGHÖG, GUSTAV
  • VÄSTFJÄLL, DANIEL

Abstract

Nudges are increasingly being proposed and used as a policy tool around the world. The success of nudges depends on public acceptance. However, several questions about what makes a nudge acceptable remain unanswered. In this paper, we examine whether policy alternatives to nudges influence the public's acceptance of these nudges: Do attitudes change when the nudge is presented alongside either a more paternalistic policy alternative (legislation) or a less paternalistic alternative (no behavioral intervention)? In two separate samples drawn from the Swedish general public, we find a very small effect of alternatives on the acceptability of various default nudges overall. Surprisingly, we find that when the alternative to the nudge is legislation, acceptance decreases and perceived intrusiveness increases (relative to conditions where the alternative is no regulation). An implication of this finding is that acceptance of nudges may not always automatically increase when nudges are explicitly compared to more paternalistic alternatives.

Suggested Citation

  • Hagman, William & Erlandsson, Arvid & Dickert, Stephan & Tinghög, Gustav & Västfjäll, Daniel, 2022. "The effect of paternalistic alternatives on attitudes toward default nudges," Behavioural Public Policy, Cambridge University Press, vol. 6(1), pages 95-118, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:cup:bpubpo:v:6:y:2022:i:1:p:95-118_6
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    Cited by:

    1. Dominic Lemken & Ainslee Erhard & Simone Wahnschafft, 2024. "A choice architect’s guide to the (autonomous) galaxy: a systematic scoping review of nudge intrusiveness in food choices," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 11(1), pages 1-15, December.
    2. Ismaël Rafaï & Arthur Ribaillier & Dorian Jullien, 2021. "The impact on nudge acceptability judgments of framing and consultation of the targeted population," Université Paris1 Panthéon-Sorbonne (Post-Print and Working Papers) hal-03228638, HAL.
    3. Lemken, Dominic & Simonetti, Aline & Heinke, Gloria & Estevez, Ana, 2024. "Evidence on the effectiveness-acceptance trade-off between forced active choice and default nudging - A field study to reduce meat consumption in cafeterias," 2024 Annual Meeting, July 28-30, New Orleans, LA 343537, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association.
    4. Mira Fischer & Philipp Lergetporer & Katharina Werner, 2024. "Do Narratives about Psychological Mechanisms Affect Public Support for Behavioral Policies?," Rationality and Competition Discussion Paper Series 505, CRC TRR 190 Rationality and Competition.

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