The “status” of giving in South Africa: an empirical investigation into the behaviour and attitudes of South Africans towards redistribution
Working Paper
2002
Permanent link to this Item
Authors
Journal Title
Link to Journal
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Publisher
University of Cape Town
Department
Faculty
Series
Abstract
A dictator game experiment and a questionnaire were used to gather information on redistributive preferences among a sample of South African university students. The questionnaire was used to gather data on the attitudes of individuals regarding redistribution, as well as their demographic details. The experiment used is known as the dictator game and it measures the altruistic motivations of the subjects involved. The complementary use of the dictator game and questionnaire provided incentive compatible information on the true preferences of the students for redistribution. The results indicate that only the status of the giver and the perceived worthiness of the recipient of redistribution significantly alter the giving behaviour of the "dictator". Furthermore there is no correlation between those subjects who express a desire for redistribution and their experimental earnings.
Description
Reference:
Pengelly, C. (2002). The" status" of giving in South Africa: an empirical investigation into the behaviour and attitudes of South Africans towards redistribution. Centre for Social Science Research: University of Cape Town.