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Game of Prejudice

Author

Listed:
  • Utteeyo Dasgupta

    (Fordham University, Department of Economics)

  • Subha Mani

    (Fordham University, Department of Economics)

  • Joe Vecci

    (Gothenburg University)

  • Tomas Zelinsky

    (Technical University of Kosice)

Abstract
Children and adolescents are often revered as powerful symbols of hope, representing the future and embodying the potential for positive change. However, early stages of life can also give rise to the development of immoral tendencies and anti-social behaviors. This paper examines the prevalence and possible underlying causes of discrimination among adolescents. Specifically, we examine how discriminatory preferences may vary depending on two common type of decisions -selecting group members versus sharing a pie. We find that even in low-stakes settings, there is sizable ingroup bias when individuals have the opportunity to include someone from the minority ethnicity as part of their ingroup. However, when asked to share a pie, the prevalence of discrimination decreases. Notably, discrimination largely stems from taste-based animosity with no evidence of statistical discrimination or inaccurate beliefs. Furthermore, adolescents curb discriminatory choices when the price of prejudice becomes prohibitively high. Our results have important implications for the design and timing of anti-discriminatory policies and programs.

Suggested Citation

  • Utteeyo Dasgupta & Subha Mani & Joe Vecci & Tomas Zelinsky, 2023. "Game of Prejudice," Fordham Economics Discussion Paper Series dp2023-06er:dp2023-06, Fordham University, Department of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:frd:wpaper:dp2023-06er:dp2023-06
    as

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    File URL: https://archive.fordham.edu/ECONOMICS_RESEARCH/PAPERS/dp2023_06_dasguptamanietal.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    2. Bindra, Parampreet Christopher & Glatzle-Rutzler, Daniela & Lergetporer, Philipp, 2020. "Discrimination at young age: Experimental evidence from preschool children," Munich Reprints in Economics 84742, University of Munich, Department of Economics.
    3. Houser, Daniel & List, John A. & Piovesan, Marco & Samek, Anya & Winter, Joachim, 2016. "Dishonesty: From parents to children," European Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 82(C), pages 242-254.
    4. Bindra, Parampreet Christopher & Glätzle-Rützler, Daniela & Lergetporer, Philipp, 2020. "Discrimination at young age: Experimental evidence from preschool children," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 175(C), pages 55-70.
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    8. Angerer, Silvia & Glätzle-Rützler, Daniela & Lergetporer, Philipp & Sutter, Matthias, 2016. "Cooperation and discrimination within and across language borders: Evidence from children in a bilingual city," European Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 90(C), pages 254-264.
    9. Angerer, Silvia & Dutcher, E. Glenn & Glätzle-Rützler, Daniela & Lergetporer, Philipp & Sutter, Matthias, 2017. "Gender differences in discrimination emerge early in life: Evidence from primary school children in a bilingual city," Economics Letters, Elsevier, vol. 152(C), pages 15-18.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Discrimination; Adolescents; Low-stakes; Lab-in-the-field experiment; Slovakia;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C9 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments
    • D3 - Microeconomics - - Distribution
    • J7 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Labor Discrimination

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