CeDEx Workshop - Marta Maras (Gettysburg College)

This week's seminar will be given by Marta Maras from Gettysburg College.  Please note the earlier starting time of 1pm.

Title: Holier Than Thou: Testing Models of Social Information in Charitable Giving Using a Natural Field Experiment

Abstract: Previous laboratory and field experiments suggest increased levels of generosity when donor identities are revealed. We add to the literature by studying a natural field experiment, a six-year fundraising campaign by a Catholic parish to build a new church. Every Sunday, the priest announced donations, names, and addresses of donors, with surprise changes in the presentation of this social information. This unique panel dataset tracking 1,597 households over 335 weeks allows tests of hypotheses on how social information affects giving. We examine “fitting in” (neighborhood effects, norm conformance), and “standing out” (social image, information signaling, conspicuous giving). Early in the campaign, we observe significant fitting-in. Over six years, however, the dominant effect of social information is to encourage standing-out. Moreover, information affects how social comparisons are formed, sometimes with unintended consequences.