Does Africa Need a Rotten Kin Theorem? Experimental Evidence from Village Economies

摘要: This paper measures the economic impact of social pressure to share income with kin and neighbors in rural Kenyan villages. The authors conduct a lab experiment which they randomly vary observability investment returns. goal is test whether subjects reduce their order keep it hidden. analysis finds that women adopt an strategy conceals size initial endowment experiment, although reduces expected earnings. effect largest among relatives attending experiment. Parameter estimates suggest behave as though expect be pressured four percent observable others, substantially more when close can observe directly. Although this provides experimental evidence from single African country, observational studies similar may prevalent many areas throughout Sub-Saharan Africa.