We experimentally test the social motives behind individual participation in intergroup conflict by manipulating the framing and symmetry of conflict. We find that behavior in conflict depends on whether one is harmed by actions perpetrated by the out-group, but not on one’s own influence on...

This paper investigates whether distributional conflicts become more likely when groups are involved in the fight. We present results from a laboratory experiment in which two parties can appropriate resources via a contest or, alternatively, take an outside option. Keeping monetary gains...

The coronavirus pandemic imposes major challenges for both the population and political actors. Measures to contain the pandemic must be communicated in such a way that they motivate to persevere. However there is now great resistance in parts of the population. From the perspective of social-...