Basic Needs Satisfaction as a Fundamental Distributive Principle: Evidence from the Lab and the Field

Thomas Dohmen, Frauke Meyer and Gari Walkowitz

CRC TR 224 Discussion Paper Series from University of Bonn and University of Mannheim, Germany

Abstract: This paper provides clear evidence that concerns for basic needs satisfaction (BNS) represent a distinct distributional motive. Using a unified theoretical and experimental framework across five dictator-game experiments in Germany and Georgia (N=446), we disentangle BNS from motives such as maximin, selfishness, efficiency, generosity, and envy. A substantial share of participants displayed BNS-driven choices and were willing to forgo income and efficiency to satisfy others’ basic needs. BNS remained robust across contexts, incentive schemes, and countries, and increased when needs satisfaction had strategic relevance. The results highlight the importance of BNS for understanding distributional preferences and policy design.

Keywords: Basic Needs; Redistribution; Distributional Motives; Maximin; Public Policy; Field Experiment; Laboratory Experiment (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: C91 C93 D01 D31 D63 D91 H23 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 39
Date: 2026-02
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-cbe, nep-exp and nep-tra
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Related works:
Working Paper: Basic Needs Satisfaction as a Fundamental Distributive Principle: Evidence from the Lab and the Field (2026)
Working Paper: Basic Needs Satisfaction as a Fundamental Distributive Principle: Evidence from the Lab and the Field (2026)
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:bon:boncrc:crctr224_2025_729

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