Guilt and Antisocial Conformism: Experimental Evidence from Bangladesh

This study conducted a lab-in-the-field experiment in rural Bangladesh to disentangle motives for conformity in antisocial behavior. In a take-away game, the previous participants’ choice is revealed before a decision is made. Conformism is measured by the correlation between the information and own choice. This design allows conformism via learning about social norms, changing social preference, and changing the belief about the opponent’s expected amount of take-away. To disentangle the effect of belief, the participants in the treatment group are also informed about the opponent’s expected amount to be taken away. The results show conformism only in the control group, suggesting the channel through the belief. These results are consistent with the broken windows theory and also support the relevance of belief-dependent social preference in decision making.