Noblesse oblige? Determinants of survival in a life-and-death situation

Bruno Frey, David Savage and Benno Torgler

Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, 2010, vol. 74, issue 1-2, 1-11

Abstract: This paper explores what determines the survival of people in a life-and-death situation. The sinking of the Titanic allows us to inquire whether pro-social behavior matters in such extreme situations. This event can be considered a quasi-natural experiment. The empirical results suggest that social norms such as 'women and children first' persevered during such an event. Women of reproductive age and crew members had a higher probability of survival. Passenger class, fitness, group size, and cultural background also mattered.

Keywords: Decision; under; pressure; Altruism; Social; norms; Interdependent; preferences; Excess; demand (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2010
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (9)

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Related works:
Journal Article: Behavior under Extreme Conditions: The Titanic Disaster (2011)
Working Paper: Noblesse Oblige? Determinants of Survival in a Life and Death Situation (2008)
Working Paper: Noblesse Oblige? Determinants of Survival in a Life and Death Situation (2008)
Working Paper: Noblesse Oblige? Determinants of Survival in a Life and Death Situation (2008)
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:jeborg:v:74:y:2010:i:1-2:p:1-11

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