Emotions, Sanctions and Cooperation

Mateus Joffily (), David Masclet (), Charles Noussair and Marie Claire Villeval
Additional contact information
Mateus Joffily: CNRS

No 5592, IZA Discussion Papers from Institute of Labor Economics (IZA)

Abstract: We use skin conductance responses and self-reports of hedonic valence to study the emotional basis of cooperation and punishment in a social dilemma. Emotional reaction to free-riding incites individuals to apply sanctions when they are available. The application of sanctions activates a "virtuous emotional circle" that accompanies cooperation. Emotionally aroused cooperators relieve negative emotions when they punish free riders. In response, the free-riders experience negative emotions when punished, and increase their subsequent level of cooperation. The outcome is an increased level of contribution that becomes the new standard or norm. For a given contribution level, individuals attain higher levels of satisfaction when sanctioning institutions are in place.

Keywords: skin conductance responses; experiment; cooperation; sanctions; emotions (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: C92 D62 D63 D64 D74 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 36 pages
Date: 2011-03
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-cbe, nep-evo, nep-exp, nep-hpe and nep-soc
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

Published - published in: Southern Economic Journal, 2014, 80(4), 1002-1027.

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https://docs.iza.org/dp5592.pdf (application/pdf)

Related works:
Journal Article: Emotions, Sanctions, and Cooperation (2014)
Working Paper: Emotions, sanctions and cooperation (2014)
Working Paper: Emotions, Sanctions and Cooperation (2011)
Working Paper: Emotions, Sanctions and Cooperation (2011)
Working Paper: Emotions, Sanctions and Cooperation (2011)
Working Paper: Emotions, Sanctions and Cooperation (2009)
Working Paper: Emotions, Sanctions and Cooperation (2009)
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