What Multiparty Allocation is Maximally Unfair? A Measure of Individual Differences in Perceptions of Unfairness
38 Pages Posted: 12 Aug 2011
Date Written: January 10, 2011
Abstract
Consider the simple question 'Imagine you and several others are to share a valuable resource; what allocation would you find maximally unfair?' Recent theoretical and empirical work of Eriksson and Simpson (in press) suggests that responses to this question taps important individual differences in perceptions of unfairness, with respect to benevolence and single-loser aversion. Here we develop this theory further and analyze the interesting way in which the framework extends to negative outcomes, where a resource is lost and must be replaced by multiple agents. In two vignette studies we confirm predictions of the theory. In particular, the response to the simple question about maximally unfair allocation predicts both patterns of perceived relative unfairness and emotional reactions to hypothetical allocations ratings.
Keywords: fairness, allocations, unfairness
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