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Norms and norm change - driven by social-Kantian preferences

Author

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  • Ingela Alger

    (TSE-R - Toulouse School of Economics - UT Capitole - Université Toulouse Capitole - UT - Université de Toulouse - EHESS - École des hautes études en sciences sociales - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique - INRAE - Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement, CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UT Capitole - Université Toulouse Capitole - UT - Université de Toulouse, IAST - Institute for Advanced Study in Toulouse)

Abstract

Norms indicate which behaviors are common and/or considered morally right. This paper analyzes norms and norm change by modeling individuals with social-Kantian preferences, combining material self-interest, Kantian moral concerns, and attitudes towards making a greater or a smaller material sacrifice than others. In an N-person social dilemma, these preferences determine individuals' personal moral norms and their thresholds for collective behavior (cooperation is conditional on suÿciently many others cooperating). Conditions on preferences and beliefs pro-moting/hampering changes in the behavioral norm (the modal behavior) are iden-tified. Implications for policy interventions aimed at changing norms are discussed in light of the model.

Suggested Citation

  • Ingela Alger, 2025. "Norms and norm change - driven by social-Kantian preferences," Working Papers hal-04865431, HAL.
    • Handle: RePEc:hal:wpaper:hal-04865431
    Note: View the original document on HAL open archive server: https://hal.science/hal-04865431v2
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    References listed on IDEAS

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