Discrimination in the Provision of Social Services to the Poor: A Field Experimental Study

Juan-Camilo Cardenas, Natalia Candelo Londono (), Alejandro Gaviria, Sandra Polania-Reyes and Rajiv Sethi ()

No 3247, Research Department Publications from Inter-American Development Bank, Research Department

Abstract: This paper uses an experimental field approach to investigate the pro-social preferences and behavior of social services providers and the behavior of potential beneficiaries in Bogota, Colombia. Field experiments were conducted using games including a newly designed Distributive Dictator Game in order to examine traits and mechanisms guiding pro-sociality. Replicating the patterns of previous studies, individuals showed a preference for fair outcomes, positive levels of trust and reciprocity, and willingness to punish unfair outcomes. The results provide evidence that the poor trigger more pro-social behavior from all citizens, including public servants, but the latter display strategic generosity. Additional observations include a bias in favor of women and households with more dependents, but discriminatory behavior against stigmatized groups.

Date: 2008-04
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-dev, nep-exp and nep-lam
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (8)

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Related works:
Working Paper: Discrimination in the Provision of Social Services to the Poor: A Field Experimental Study (2008)
Working Paper: Discrimination in the provision of social services to the poor: a field experimental study (2007)
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