1. Noblesse oblige? Determinants of survival in a life-and-death situation
- Author
-
Frey, Bruno S., Savage, David A., and Torgler, Benno
- Subjects
- *
ALTRUISM , *DEATH , *SUPPLY & demand , *DECISION making , *DETERMINANTS (Mathematics) , *INTERPERSONAL relations , *SOCIAL norms , *HELPING behavior - Abstract
Abstract: This paper explores what determines the survival of people in a life-and-death situation. The sinking of the Titanic allows us to inquire whether pro-social behavior matters in such extreme situations. This event can be considered a quasi-natural experiment. The empirical results suggest that social norms such as ‘women and children first’ persevered during such an event. Women of reproductive age and crew members had a higher probability of survival. Passenger class, fitness, group size, and cultural background also mattered. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]
- Published
- 2010
- Full Text
- View/download PDF