Modeling Social Preferences: A Generalized Model of Inequity Aversion

44 Pages Posted: 1 Jul 2009

See all articles by Hayat Khan

Hayat Khan

La Trobe University; Financial Research Network (FIRN)

Date Written: January 19, 2009

Abstract

Taking note of the wide variety and growing list of models in the literature to explain patterns of behavior observed in laboratory experiments, this paper identifies two tests, the Variety Test (ability of a model to explain outcomes under variety or alternative scenarios) and the Psychological Test (ability of a model to conform to psychological intuition), that can be used to judge any model of other regarding preferences. It is argued that for a mathematical model to qualify as a social welfare function, it must simultaneously pass the two tests. It is shown that none of the models proposed to date passes these two tests simultaneously. The paper proposes a generalized model of inequity aversion which parsimoniously explains interior solution in the dictator game and dynamics of outcomes in other games. The paper postulates that ones idea of equitable distribution is state dependent where the state is determined by psychological and structural parameters. The state could be fair, superior or inferior. Individuals in a fair state have zero equity-bias and split the pie evenly. Those in a superior (inferior) state have positive (negative) equity-bias and value more (less) than fair distribution as equitable distribution. Given psychological tendencies of an individual, every experimental design/structure assigns one of the three states to players which lead to individual specific valuation of equity. Prediction about outcomes across different experiments and designs can be made through predicting its impact on equity-bias. All aspects of an individual’s behavior, such as altruism, fairness, reciprocity, self-serving bias, kindness, intentions etc, manifest itself in equity-bias. The model therefore is all encompassing.

Keywords: Experimental Economics, Social Preferences, Other Regarding Preferences

Suggested Citation

Khan, Hayat, Modeling Social Preferences: A Generalized Model of Inequity Aversion (January 19, 2009). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1428245 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.1428245

Hayat Khan (Contact Author)

La Trobe University ( email )

Department of Economics and Finance
Victoria 3552, 3086
Australia

Financial Research Network (FIRN)

C/- University of Queensland Business School
St Lucia, 4071 Brisbane
Queensland
Australia

HOME PAGE: http://www.firn.org.au

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