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SELF-ESTEEM, MORAL CAPITAL, AND WRONGDOING
- Source :
- Journal of the European Economic Association. 11:599-663
- Publication Year :
- 2013
- Publisher :
- Oxford University Press (OUP), 2013.
-
Abstract
- We present an infinite-horizon planner–doer model of moral standards, where individuals receive random temptations (such as bribe offers) and must decide which to resist. Individual actions depend both on conscious deliberation and on a type reflecting unconscious drives. Temptations yield consumption value, but confidence in being the type of person who resists temptations yields self-esteem. We identify conditions for individuals to build an introspective reputation for goodness (“moral capital”) and for good actions to lead to a stronger disposition to do good. Bad actions destroy moral capital and lock-in further wrongdoing. Economic shocks that result in higher temptations have long-lasting effects on wrongdoing. We show how optimal deterrence can change under endogenous moral costs and how wrongdoing can be compounded as high temptation activities attract individuals with low moral capital.
- Subjects :
- Value (ethics)
Consumption (economics)
media_common.quotation_subject
05 social sciences
Temptation
16. Peace & justice
Deliberation
Capital (economics)
Wrongdoing
0502 economics and business
Deterrence theory
050207 economics
Psychology
General Economics, Econometrics and Finance
Social psychology
050205 econometrics
media_common
Reputation
Subjects
Details
- ISSN :
- 15424766
- Volume :
- 11
- Database :
- OpenAIRE
- Journal :
- Journal of the European Economic Association
- Accession number :
- edsair.doi...........d9a32e4c054ff0d53e2bd98afcd8626f