Self-Constraint and the Demand and Supply of Paternalism

Abstract:

People may approve of behaviorally informed public policies because these may help them avoid their own errors or judgment (demand for paternalism) or help others avoid such errors (supply of paternalism). In two pre-registered experiments involving delayed monetary rewards, we find extensive evidence of self-constraint and a large supply of paternalism, but very limited demand. Although people broadly believe others are like themselves, this projection does not induce them to demand the constraints they are so ready to offer. Evaluating people’s acceptance of paternalism based on self-constraint or supply considerations may greatly overestimate people’s willingness to accept externally imposed constraints. 

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