Group Identities in Conflicts
Journal
Homo oeconomicus
ISSN
0943-0180
ISSN-Digital
2366-6161
Type
journal article
Date Issued
2019-09-14
Author(s)
Abstract (De)
If the members of a group identify with their group, free-riding behavior within the group is reduced. This seems beneficial at first sight. However, in contests between groups, identification escalates conflicts, increasing rent dissipation and possibly generating welfare losses. Generally, in an inter-group conflict the adoption or non-adoption of a group identity is endogenous. We show that, if groups are similar in size and conflict technology, all groups will adopt a group identity, reducing welfare for all. If groups are unequal, the stronger one will develop a group identity, which goes at the expense of the weaker group. Out-group hostility favors asymmetric identities. Applications include team spirit in war and sports, national identities or (seemingly) dysfunctional behavior of social groups.
Language
English
Refereed
Yes
Publisher
Accedo Verlagsgesellschaft
Subject(s)
Division(s)
Eprints ID
257885