Preferences, Values and Institutions
Monday, May 21, 2018

Allan Drazen

University of Maryland

Allan Drazen

Fairness, Reciprocity, and Distributive Politics

Abstract

Individual behavior is often motivated by kindness and gratitude, rather than simply self interest. How do such motivations affect politicians in their decisions about distribution of jobs, allocation of expenditures, etc.? Do politicians show reciprocity towards those who helped them obtain office ? Is such reciprocity motivated by gratitude, or is it instrumental, motivated by reelection concerns or other political considerations ?