In this paper we study the impact of redistributive policies when agents can signal their relative standing by spending … on a conspicuous good. In particular, we analyze how the shape of the status function (i.e. how relative standing is … cardinal way on individuals' relative standing, then a redistribution from the rich to the poor can be Pareto improving. We …

indicate relative standing does affect bargaining behaviour, particularly when the decision-maker knows both his own rank and … the rank of the bargaining partner. A primary finding is that the provision of relative standing information can enhance …This paper presents the results of an experiment designed to examine the extent to which a decision-maker's relative …