Document Type
Article - pre-print
Publication Date
2025
Abstract
This study explores the effect of prosocial interventions on political engagement, particularly whether a prosocial, redistributive option can narrow the gender gap in willingness to enter elections (Pate and Fox, 2018). Previous evidence suggests that prosocial incentives boost women’s desire to compete (Cassar and Rigdon, 2021a,b). Building on this, our research investigates whether mechanisms that enable elected leaders to share their gains can increase women’s political ambition. We conducted a laboratory experiment at two distinct laboratories with 320 participants using a within-subjects design to compare a standard election with one where the elected leader could redistribute earnings to the lowest earner. Our results show that prosocial opportunities increase participation rates for both women and men, yet the gender gap in ambition persists. Notably, we also find a puzzling result: although the prosocial intervention boosts individual willingness to run for office, greater generosity is negatively associated with the decision to run for election. These findings reveal a paradox: those most inclined to help others are often the least likely to seek positions that would enable them to do so.
Original Publication Citation
Cassar, Alessandra, et al. “The Puzzle of Political Ambition and Prosociality.” Maryrigdon, 2025, maryrigdon.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/CassarPateRigdonSubmission.pdf.
Digital Commons @ LMU & LLS Citation
Pate, Jennifer; Cassar, Alessandra; and Rigdon, Mary L., "The Puzzle of Political Ambition and Prosociality" (2025). Economics Faculty Works. 111.
https://digitalcommons.lmu.edu/econ_fac/111
