The Voluntary Provision of Public Goods Under Varying Income Distributions
Kenneth S. Chan
Stuart Mestelman
Rober Moir
R. Andrew Muller
McMaster University
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
L8S 4M4
Abstract
The Bergstrom, Blume, and Varian (1986) model of voluntary contributions to public goods
predicts increases in public good provision as the distribution of income becomes more unequal.
This model is tested in the laboratory. Grooup behaviour conforms to the model but individual
behaviour does not. Individuals with low incomes overcontribute to the public good; individuals
with high incomes undercontribute.
McEEL Publications and Current Research
McEEL Home Page
Webmaster: mullera@.mcmaster.ca
Last updated: March 28, 1996