Merit, approbation and the evolution of social structure

Robin Cowan and Nicolas Jonard ()

Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, 2007, vol. 64, issue 3-4, 295-315

Abstract: We examine a society in which individuals gain utility from income and social approbation. Approbation is given to an unobservable trait, signalled through social mobility. Two environments are studied: in one players care for absolute approbation; in the other relative approbation matters. In both environments, individuals' quest for approbation both affects and is affected by social structure. We study the long run implications of that interaction on social organization. Various forms of dynasties and meritocracies are possible. Even though social mobility is driven purely by meritocratic principles, pure dynasties can emerge.

Keywords: Approbation; Social; status; Interest; rate; rule; Intergenerational; mobility (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2007
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Working Paper: Merit, approbation and the evolution of social structure (2005)
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:jeborg:v:64:y:2007:i:3-4:p:295-315

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