We validate survey measures of social capital with a new behavioral data set that examines whether citizens report a lost wallet to its owner. Using data from more than 17,000 lost wallets across 40 countries, we find that survey measures of social capital - especially questions concerning...

Laboratory evidence shows that when people have to argue for a given position, they persuade themselves about the position’s factual and moral superiority. Such self-persuasion limits the potential of communication to resolve conflict and reduce polarization. We test for this phenomenon in a...

How can we make global trade inclusive for smaller sellers and firms? I show that an e-commerce platform could increase on-site exports from small sellers through integrating existing logistics services. Export increase comes exclusively along the extensive margin, i.e., from new sellers or new...

Islamic charities, faith-based organizations, and the international aid system / Jonathan Benthall -- Recognizing the Umma in humanitarianism : international regulation of Islamic charities / James Shaw-Hamilton -- Aid effectiveness : improving relations with Islamic charities / Karin von Hippel...

Arguments about the appropriate discount rate often start by assuming a Utilitarian social welfare function with isoelastic utility, in which the consumption discount rate is a function of the (constant) elasticity of marginal utility along with the (much discussed) utility discount rate. In...

One fact that has emerged in modern societies is that people help others. Whether it is donating a few dollars to help feed the poor or volunteering time to help rebuild someone's life after a natural disaster, people around the globe commonly lend a hand. This study provides an overview of that...