Generosity After Negative Random Shocks

Hernán Bejarano, Joris Gillet and Ismael Rodriguez-Lara ()
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Hernán Bejarano: Center of Economics Research and Teaching, Economics Division (CIDE) and Economic Science Institute, Chapman University
Joris Gillet: Middlesex University
Ismael Rodriguez-Lara: Universidad de M´alaga and Economic Science Institute, Chapman University

Working Papers from Chapman University, Economic Science Institute

Abstract: We report the results of three preregistered experiments examining the efects of negative random endowment shocks on generosity. Using a dictator game, we show that generosity is greater towards those who experience a negative random shock, and this efect is larger than the efect inequality has on giving. Our data provide evidence that people do not expect this additional level of generosity after a shock and that injunctive norms cannot explain it either. Taken together, our fndings suggest that the (high) level of generosity observed after negative random shocks is unexpected and exceeds what people consider to be socially appropriate.

Keywords: generosity; dictator game; negative random shocks; beliefs; injunctive norms (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: C91 D03 D60 D81 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:chu:wpaper:26-09

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