The Psychological Lives of the Poor

Frank Schilbach, Heather Schofield and Sendhil Mullainathan

American Economic Review, 2016, vol. 106, issue 5, 435-40

Abstract: All individuals rely on a fundamental set of mental capacities and functions, or bandwidth, in their economic and non-economic lives. Yet, many factors associated with poverty, such as malnutrition, alcohol consumption, or sleep deprivation, may tax this capacity. Previous research has demonstrated that such taxes often significantly alter judgments, preferences, and decision-making. A more suggestive but growing body of evidence points toward potential effects on productivity and utility. Considering the lives of the poor through the lens of bandwidth may improve our understanding of potential causes and consequences of poverty.

JEL-codes: D11 D87 I14 I32 J24 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2016
Note: DOI: 10.1257/aer.p20161101
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (91)

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