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The effect of kinship on intergenerational cooperation: A lab experiment with three generations

Author

Listed:
  • José Alberto Molina

    (University of Zaragoza
    Boston College)

  • Alfredo Ferrer

    (University of Zaragoza)

  • José Ignacio Gimenez-Nadal

    (University of Zaragoza)

  • Carlos Gracia-Lazaro

    (University of Zaragoza)

  • Yamir Moreno

    (University of Zaragoza)

  • Angel Sanchez

    (University of Zaragoza)

Abstract

In this paper, we analyze how kinship among family members affects intergenerational cooperation in a public good game. 165 individuals from 55 families, comprising three generations (youths, parents, and grandparents), play a public good game in three different treatments: one in which three members of the same family play each other (family), a second with the youth and two non-family members but preserving the previous generational structure (intergenerational), and a third in which three randomly-selected players play each other (random). We find that players contribute more to the public good when they play with other family members, than when they play with non-family members. This effect is present in all three generations, and is independent of the gender of the players. We also observe the significant result that older generations contribute more to the public good, relative to their children.

Suggested Citation

  • José Alberto Molina & Alfredo Ferrer & José Ignacio Gimenez-Nadal & Carlos Gracia-Lazaro & Yamir Moreno & Angel Sanchez, 2016. "The effect of kinship on intergenerational cooperation: A lab experiment with three generations," Boston College Working Papers in Economics 905, Boston College Department of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:boc:bocoec:905
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Michał Krawczyk & Krzysztof Szczygielski, 2019. "Do professions curb free-riding? An experiment," European Journal of Law and Economics, Springer, vol. 47(3), pages 361-376, June.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Intergenerational cooperation; Evolutionary game theory; Public Goods game; Kinship; Social networks;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D03 - Microeconomics - - General - - - Behavioral Microeconomics: Underlying Principles
    • D64 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Altruism; Philanthropy; Intergenerational Transfers
    • D70 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - General

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