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Zero-Sum Environments, the Evolution of Effort-Suppressing Beliefs, and Economic Development

Author

Listed:
  • Augustin Bergeron
  • Jean-Paul Carvalho
  • Joseph Henrich
  • Nathan Nunn
  • Jonathan L. Weigel

Abstract

We study the evolution of belief systems that suppress productive effort, including beliefs about envy, the importance of luck for success, witchcraft beliefs, and disdain for competitive effort. Demotivating beliefs evolve when interactions are zero-sum. They improve short-run material welfare by limiting excessive competition but reduce long-run growth. Demotivating beliefs also drive a wedge between how well people do and how well they think they do. Whereas material welfare is hump-shaped in demotivating beliefs, subjective well-being is decreasing. These predictions are supported by data from two samples in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the World Values Survey.

Suggested Citation

  • Augustin Bergeron & Jean-Paul Carvalho & Joseph Henrich & Nathan Nunn & Jonathan L. Weigel, 2023. "Zero-Sum Environments, the Evolution of Effort-Suppressing Beliefs, and Economic Development," NBER Working Papers 31663, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    • Handle: RePEc:nbr:nberwo:31663
    Note: DEV POL
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    Cited by:

    1. Giampaolo Bonomi, 2024. "Divide and Diverge: Polarization Incentives," Papers 2405.20564, arXiv.org, revised Oct 2024.

    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • N10 - Economic History - - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics; Industrial Structure; Growth; Fluctuations - - - General, International, or Comparative
    • O10 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - General
    • Q55 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Environmental Economics: Technological Innovation

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