A theory of tolerance

Giacomo Corneo and Olivier Jeanne ()

Journal of Public Economics, 2009, vol. 93, issue 5-6, pages 691-702

Abstract: We propose a theory of tolerance where endogenous lifestyles and exogenous traits are invested with symbolic value by people. Value systems chosen by parents for their children affect the esteem enjoyed by individuals in society. Intolerant individuals attach all symbolic value to a small number of attributes and are irrespectful of people with different ones. Tolerant people have diversified values and respect social alterity. We study the formation of values attached to various types of attributes and identify circumstances under which tolerance spontaneously arises. Policy may affect the evolution of tolerance in distinctive ways, and there may be efficiency as well as equity reasons to promote tolerance. An empirical investigation of tolerance of homosexuality demonstrates that our theory helps to shed light on survey data of endorsed values.

Keywords: Tolerance; Value; systems; Cultural; transmission (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2009
View citations in EconPapers

Downloads: (external link)
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/B6V76 ... 542227314ffaa8705178
Full text for ScienceDirect subscribers only

Related works:
Working Paper: A theory of tolerance (2007)
Working Paper: A Theory of Tolerance (2007)
Working Paper: A Theory of Tolerance (2006)
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: http://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:pubeco:v:93:y:2009:i:5-6:p:691-702

Access Statistics for this article

Journal of Public Economics is edited by R. Boadway and J. Poterba

More articles in Journal of Public Economics from Elsevier
Series data maintained by Heidi Boesdal ().