Download This PaperPure Rank Preferences and Variation in Risk-Taking Behavior
ZEF-Discussion Papers on Development Policy No. 283, Bonn, November 2019
11 Pages Posted: 7 Dec 2019
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Pure Rank Preferences and Variation in Risk-Taking Behavior
Date Written: November 21, 2019
Abstract
Assuming that an individual’s rank in the wealth distribution is the only factor determining the individual’s well-being, we analyze the individual’s risk preferences in relation to gaining or losing rank, rather than the individual’s risk preferences towards gaining or losing absolute wealth. We show that in this characterization of preferences, a high-ranked individual is more willing than a low-ranked individual to take risks that can provide him with a rise in rank: relative risk aversion with respect to rank in the wealth distribution is a decreasing function of rank. This result is robust to incorporating (the level of) absolute wealth in the individual’s utility function.
Keywords: Rank in the Wealth Distribution, Rank-Based Utility, Variation in Risk-Taking Behavior, Relative Risk Aversion
JEL Classification: D01, D31, D81, G32, G41
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