Free Riding on Altruism and Group Size

U of London Queen Mary Economics Working Paper No. 436

17 Pages Posted: 25 Jul 2001

See all articles by Jean Hindriks

Jean Hindriks

University of London - School of Economics and Finance

Romans Pancs

University of London - School of Economics and Finance

Date Written: May 1, 2001

Abstract

It is shown that altruism does not affect the equilibrium provision of public goods although altruism takes the form of unconditional commitment to contribute. The reason is that altruistic contributions completely crowd out selfish voluntary contributions. That is, egoists free ride on altruism. It is also shown that public goods are less likely to be provided in larger groups.

Keywords: Free riding, Public good, Altruism

JEL Classification: D64, H4

Suggested Citation

Hindriks, Jean and Pancs, Romans, Free Riding on Altruism and Group Size (May 1, 2001). U of London Queen Mary Economics Working Paper No. 436, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=277858 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.277858

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Romans Pancs

University of London - School of Economics and Finance

Mile End Road
London, E1 4NS
United Kingdom