Others need guidance and restrictions; I just need a little nudge: a study on individual differences in effectiveness evaluation of policies

Abstract

Nudging policies have become increasingly popular in the last few years because they are usually low in costs and easy to implement. There is however a gap between those who design policies and those who receive. This gap is seen in Socio-economic status differences. Socio-economic status can have tremendous effect on people’s lives. It is often those with a lower status (lower education and income) typically have worse health outcomes), are sick more often, and die younger. However, it is often high status people (e.g., politicians, scientists) who make decisions and policies about things that affect the lives of low status people the most (e.g., health policies). Research suggested that there is a difference in effectiveness evaluation of policy when one is considering the best option for themselves versus for others. Building on recent studies from the United States, this study examines what kind of policy is preferred (agentic or paternalistic policies), it also examines what determines this preference (perception of mental capacities) in the Netherlands. This study adds a third perspective taking into account differences in socio-economic status. Results indicate that there is indeed a cross-cultural tendency to prefer agentic policy options over paternalistic options; however this is not determined by perceptions of mental capabilities.