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Group-identity and long-run cooperation: an experiment

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  • Camera, Gabriele
  • Hohl, Lukas

Abstract

We stress-test the limits of the power of group identity in the context of cooperation by constructing laboratory economies where participants confront an indefinitely repeated social dilemma as strangers. Group identity is artificially induced by random assignment to color-coded groups, and reinforced by an initial cooperation task played in-group and in fixed pairs. Subsequently subjects interact in-group and out-group in large economies, as strangers. Indefinite repetition guarantees full cooperation is an equilibrium. Decision-makers can discriminate based on group affiliation, but cannot observe past behaviors. We find no evidence of group biases. This suggests that group effects are less likely to emerge when players cannot easily observe and compare characteristics on which to base categorizations and behaviors.

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  • Camera, Gabriele & Hohl, Lukas, 2021. "Group-identity and long-run cooperation: an experiment," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 188(C), pages 903-915.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jeborg:v:188:y:2021:i:c:p:903-915
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jebo.2021.06.017
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    1. Gabriele Camera & Lukas Hohl & Rolf Weder, 2023. "Inequality as a barrier to economic integration? An experiment," Experimental Economics, Springer;Economic Science Association, vol. 26(2), pages 383-411, April.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Large groups; Indefinitely repeated game; Social norms;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C70 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Game Theory and Bargaining Theory - - - General
    • C90 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - General
    • D03 - Microeconomics - - General - - - Behavioral Microeconomics: Underlying Principles

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