Political Activists as Free-Riders: Evidence from a Natural Field Experiment

Arbeitspapier

How does a citizen’s decision to participate in political activism depend on the participation of others? We conduct a nation-wide natural field experiment in collaboration with a major European party during a recent national election. In a seemingly unrelated survey, we randomly provide canvassers with true information about the canvassing intentions of their peers. When learning that more peers participate in canvassing than previously believed, canvassers significantly reduce both their canvassing intentions and behavior as measured through a smartphone application. Treatment effects are larger for supporters with weaker social ties to the party and for supporters with higher career concerns within the party.

Object Details

• Language: Englisch

References and Relationships

• Bibliographic citation: Series: CESifo Working Paper ; No. 8459

Classification and Topics

• Classification: Wirtschaft ; Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty: General ; Capitalist Systems: Political Economy
• Subject: political activism ; natural field experiment ; strategic behaviour ; beliefs

Contributors, Places and Time

• Event: Geistige Schöpfung
• (who): Hager, Anselm ; Hensel, Lukas ; Hermle, Johannes ; Roth, Christopher
• Event: Veröffentlichung
• (who): Center for Economic Studies and Ifo Institute (CESifo)
• (where): Munich
• (when): 2020

Further information

• Handle: http://hdl.handle.net/10419/223531
• Last update: 10.03.2025, 11:44 AM CET