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Psychology, Gender, and the Intrahousehold Allocation of Free and Purchased Mosquito Nets

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  • Hoffmann, Vivian

Abstract

This paper reports results from a field experiment in Uganda. The proportion of children five years and younger who slept under a mosquito net was 20 percent higher when nets were distributed for free compared to when an equivalent cash transfer could be used to purchase nets. This effect is attributable to the endowment effect (more nets were retained when received for free than offered for sale), and to differences in how purchased and free nets are allocated within the household. Nets received for free were more likely to be used by young children. Purchased nets, on the other hand, were used by those members of the household, often adults, perceived by participants to suffer from malaria most frequently. When a married woman acquired nets, the probability that her children used these increased with the educational attainment of her husband.

Suggested Citation

  • Hoffmann, Vivian, 2008. "Psychology, Gender, and the Intrahousehold Allocation of Free and Purchased Mosquito Nets," Working Papers 55282, University of Maryland, Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:ags:umdrwp:55282
    DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.55282
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Vivian Hoffmann, 2009. "Intrahousehold Allocation of Free and Purchased Mosquito Nets," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 99(2), pages 236-241, May.
    2. Swamy, Vighneswara, 2014. "Financial Inclusion, Gender Dimension, and Economic Impact on Poor Households," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 56(C), pages 1-15.
    3. Brian Blackburn & Aprajit Mahajan & Alessandro Tarozzi & Joanne Yoong, "undated". "Bednets, Information and Malaria in Orissa," Discussion Papers 08-025, Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research.

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