Heterogeneous Actions, Beliefs, Constraints and Risk Tolerance During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Ying Fan, Yesim Orhun and Dana Turjeman

No 27211, NBER Working Papers from National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc

Abstract: During a pandemic, an individual's choices can determine outcomes not only for the individual but also for the entire community. Beliefs, constraints and preferences may shape behavior. This paper documents demographic differences in behaviors, beliefs, constraints and risk preferences across gender, income and political affiliation lines during the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Our main analyses are based on data from an original nationally representative survey covering 5,500 adult respondents in the U.S. We find substantial gaps in behaviors and beliefs across gender, income and partisanship lines; in constraints across income levels; and in risk tolerance among men and women. Based on location data from a large sample of smartphones, we also document significant differences in mobility across demographics, which are consistent with our findings based on the survey data.

JEL-codes: D81 D84 D91 H41 I12 I18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020-05
Note: EH LS PE POL
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (60)

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