Abstract
The quest for status is a powerful motivator, but does it affect inequality? This paper presents a novel lab experiment that was designed and conducted to identify the relationship between conspicuous consumption, access to credit, and inequality. We report four main findings: First, consumption increases when it is “conspicuous” (i.e., is both observable and signaling ability). Second, costly borrowing increases when consumption is conspicuous. Third, the increase in costly borrowing is driven by those at lower income levels. Finally, in the presence of conspicuous consumption, access to credit exacerbates inequality.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 222-242 |
Number of pages | 21 |
Journal | Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization |
Volume | 206 |
Early online date | 26 Dec 2022 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Feb 2023 |