From peer pressure to biased norms

Moti Michaeli and Daniel Spiro

Published in:

American Economic Journal: Microeconomics: Volume 9, Issue 1, pp. 152-216, 2017

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1257/mic.20150151

Abstract:

This paper studies a coordination game between a continuum of players with heterogeneous tastes who perceive peer pressure when behaving differently from each other. It characterizes the conditions under which a social norm—a mode of behavior followed by many— exists in equilibrium and the patterns of norm compliance. The emergent norm may be biased compared to the average taste in society, yet endogenously upheld by the population. Strikingly, a biased norm will, under some circumstances, be more sustainable than a non-biased norm, which may explain the bias of various social and religious norms.

Published Dec. 16, 2017 12:38 PM - Last modified Dec. 16, 2017 12:38 PM