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Revisiting positional choice: Survey evidence from Germany

Author

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  • Behringer, Jan
  • Endres, Lukas
  • van Treeck, Till

Abstract

We conduct a survey to test for concerns about relative standing based on a large sample of the German population. Our survey approach asks respondents to choose between two hypothetical states of the world, in which they receive either a larger relative endowment or a larger absolute endowment that leaves them worse off in comparison to others. We receive the highest shares of positional answers for household income and one's children's IQ. We show that respondents with a larger social comparison orientation are significantly more likely to indicate positional preferences. This finding is robust despite some limited evidence that unintended alternative explanations based on feelings of material deprivation, feeling overworked, respondents' work ethic and environmental concerns affect respondents' choice.

Suggested Citation

  • Behringer, Jan & Endres, Lukas & van Treeck, Till, 2024. "Revisiting positional choice: Survey evidence from Germany," ifso working paper series 33, University of Duisburg-Essen, Institute for Socioeconomics (ifso).
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:ifsowp:285374
    as

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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Social Comparisons; Positionality; Survey Data;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C90 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - General
    • D63 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Equity, Justice, Inequality, and Other Normative Criteria and Measurement

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