Merit, approbation and the evolution of social structure

Robin Cowan and Nicolas Jonard
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Nicolas Jonard: uni.lu - Université du Luxembourg = University of Luxembourg = Universität Luxemburg

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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; Intergenerational mobility (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2005
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Published in Journal of Economic Behavior and Organization, 2005, 64 (3-4), pp.295-315. ⟨10.1016/j.jebo.2006.11.005⟩

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Journal Article: Merit, approbation and the evolution of social structure (2007)
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:hal:journl:hal-00279263

DOI: 10.1016/j.jebo.2006.11.005

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