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Using role models to inspire marginalized groups: A cautionary tale

Author

Listed:
  • Gaia Narciso

    (Department of Economics, Trinity College Dublin)

  • Carol Newman

    (Department of Economics, Trinity College Dublin)

  • Finn Tarp

    (Department of Economics, University of Copenhagen)

Abstract

We present experimental evidence on the impact of a role model intervention to encourage ethnic minorities in Vietnam to start businesses and diversify income sources. We distinguish between relatable ethnic minority role models and ethnic majority role models allowing us to investigate the effect of increasing the social distance of the role model from the target population while keeping the information content constant. We find that relatability is important for inspiring individuals and inducing behavioral change. Diversification into business activities, however, does not always lead to improved household outcomes, particularly for those exposed to natural shocks.

Suggested Citation

  • Gaia Narciso & Carol Newman & Finn Tarp, 2024. "Using role models to inspire marginalized groups: A cautionary tale," Trinity Economics Papers tep0424, Trinity College Dublin, Department of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:tcd:tcduee:tep0424
    as

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    File URL: https://www.tcd.ie/Economics/TEP/2024/TEP0424.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    role models; RCT; ethnic minorities; Vietnam;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D1 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior
    • D3 - Microeconomics - - Distribution
    • I3 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty
    • Q12 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Agriculture - - - Micro Analysis of Farm Firms, Farm Households, and Farm Input Markets

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