Essays on Cognition, Prosociality, and Distributive Preferences

Abstract

From economic downturns to global health crises and environmental disasters, the start of the 21st century has been marked by a series of interconnected challenges that have deepened social divides. This alarming trend toward greater inequality demands immediate attention and concerted efforts to promote inclusive growth and equal opportunities for all members of society. Central to this effort are individuals with higher cognitive abilities, who often yield significant decision-making power across various organizations and institutions. Previous research shows that such individuals tend to gravitate towards leadership roles and exert greater influence over collective decisions. In consequence, policies emerging from these groups may disproportionately reflect their preferences. Appealing to their self-interest of these individuals may not be the most effective strategy for fostering support for equality-driven policies. Human behavior is not solely driven by self-interest: individuals also exhibit genuine concern for others, known as prosocial behavior. Promoting prosociality can lay the foundation for fairer, more compassionate, and sustainable societies, crucial for navigating crises effectively. This dissertation explores the relationship between cognitive abilities and prosocial behavior, utilizing both observational and experimental data to uncover new insights. Chapter 1 explores support for redistribution among high-cognition individuals, finding that they tend to support income redistribution even despite their higher income. This support is explained by those who engage in volunteering, suggesting a significant role for social preferences in their stance on redistributive policies. Chapter 2 builds upon these findings by examining preferences for distributing COVID-19 vaccines, a relevant and salient issue at the time of measurement. High-cognition individuals are more likely to support distribution schemes emphasizing circumstances over efforts, driven by their prosocial inclinations rather than convenience or vaccine hesitancy. Chapter 3 directly tests differences in social preferences by cognitive abilities through a lab-in-the-field experiment involving children aged 10 to 15. Older and more cognitively mature children are more aware of unequal opportunities and more inclined to redistribute earnings accordingly. Moreover, uncovering the unequal opportunities influences their decision-making process, underscoring the importance of information in shaping social preferences. In conclusion, this research highlights the pivotal role of cognitive abilities and prosocial behavior in shaping attitudes towards equality-driven policies. By shedding light on these dynamics, it provides valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders striving to build more inclusive and resilient societies in the face of contemporary challenges.

Date of Award	21 Jun 2024
Original language	English
Supervisor	Xavier Ramos Morilla (Director)