Emotions, Sanctions and Cooperation

GATE Working Paper No. 1113

37 Pages Posted: 2 Apr 2011

See all articles by Mateus Joffily

Mateus Joffily

University of Lyon 2

David Masclet

Université de Rennes I; M@rsouin

Charles N. Noussair

Tilburg University

Marie Claire Villeval

GATE, CNRS

Multiple version iconThere are 2 versions of this paper

Date Written: February 1, 2011

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: Emotions, Sanctions, Cooperation, Experiment, Skin Conductance Responses

JEL Classification: C92, D62, D63, D64, D74

Suggested Citation

Joffily, Mateus and Masclet, David and Noussair, Charles N. and Villeval, Marie Claire, Emotions, Sanctions and Cooperation (February 1, 2011). GATE Working Paper No. 1113, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1800733 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.1800733

Mateus Joffily (Contact Author)

University of Lyon 2 ( email )

93 Chemin des Mouilles
Ecully, 69009
France

David Masclet

Université de Rennes I ( email )

11 Rue Jean Macé
35065 Rennes Cedex, Rennes
France

M@rsouin ( email )

France

Charles N. Noussair

Tilburg University ( email )

P.O. Box 90153
Tilburg, DC Noord-Brabant 5000 LE
Netherlands

Marie Claire Villeval

GATE, CNRS ( email )

93, chemin des Mouilles
Ecully, 69130
France
+33 472 86 60 79 (Phone)
+33 472 86 60 90 (Fax)

HOME PAGE: http://sites.google.com/view/marie-claire-villeval

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