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Homo Economicus Belief Inhibits Trust

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  • Ziqiang Xin
  • Guofang Liu

Abstract

As a foundational concept in economics, the homo economicus assumption regards humans as rational and self-interested actors. In contrast, trust requires individuals to believe partners’ benevolence and unselfishness. Thus, the homo economicus belief may inhibit trust. The present three experiments demonstrated that the direct exposure to homo economicus belief can weaken trust. And economic situations like profit calculation can also activate individuals’ homo economicus belief and inhibit their trust. It seems that people’s increasing homo economicus belief may serve as one cause of the worldwide decline of trust.

Suggested Citation

  • Ziqiang Xin & Guofang Liu, 2013. "Homo Economicus Belief Inhibits Trust," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 8(10), pages 1-5, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0076671
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0076671
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    2. Kopczewski, Tomasz & Okhrimenko, Iana, 2019. "Can homo economicus be an altruist? A classroom experimental method," International Review of Economics Education, Elsevier, vol. 32(C), pages 1-1.
    3. Xin, Ziqiang & Xin, Sufei, 2017. "Marketization process predicts trust decline in China," Journal of Economic Psychology, Elsevier, vol. 62(C), pages 120-129.

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