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Dominik H. Enste / Johanna Kary IW-Analyse No. 141 21. January 2021 The Seven Deadly Sins: Interpretations and Recommendations from Behavioral Economics

Envy, gluttony, greed, lust, pride, sloth and wrath – the so-called seven deadly sins are widely known and even more widely committed. The terms describe seven motives and behavioral patterns which, despite being branded as vices, actually steer many people’s conduct in their daily lives.

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Interpretations and Recommendations from Behavioral Economics
Dominik H. Enste / Johanna Kary IW-Analyse No. 141 21. January 2021

The Seven Deadly Sins: Interpretations and Recommendations from Behavioral Economics

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German Economic Institute (IW) German Economic Institute (IW)

Envy, gluttony, greed, lust, pride, sloth and wrath – the so-called seven deadly sins are widely known and even more widely committed. The terms describe seven motives and behavioral patterns which, despite being branded as vices, actually steer many people’s conduct in their daily lives.

The present study ventures a new look at these inner drives, traditionally regarded as “mortal sins” ever since they were designated as such by the early church in 400 AD. Instead of simply condemning those who succumb to these vices on ethical grounds, the authors investigate their origin and consequences and consider how behaviour can be redirected and desires controlled so as to avoid their negative influence. This utilitarian perspective is then expanded to include insights from behavioural economics showing among other things how the economy in general, and companies in particular, can deal with the issue of “mortal sins”. After all, one common accusation is that the business world does very well out of our vices, exploiting gluttony, for instance, which manifests itself in such things as consumer frenzy, fast fashion and binge drinking; or envy, which can be a spur to success in competition. How can the motives underlying the deadly sins be transformed and channelled to ensure positive consequences for everyone and prevent them harming society? How can, indeed must, economic theory be adapted and developed with input from behavioural economics to make even less-than-rational behaviour explicable? What can companies do to turn these “sins” into something ultimately positive? Answers to these questions can be found in this IW Analysis.

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Interpretations and Recommendations from Behavioral Economics
Dominik H. Enste / Johanna Kary IW-Analyse No. 141 21. January 2021

Dominik H. Enste / Johanna Kary: Die sieben Todsünden – Verhaltensökonomische Interpretationen und Handlungsempfehlungen

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German Economic Institute (IW) German Economic Institute (IW)

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Behavioral economic measures for freedom-preserving energy conservation
Dominik Enste / Julia Hensen / Jennifer Potthoff IW-Policy Paper No. 2 20. February 2023

Does Nudging Help in the crisis?: Behavioral economic measures for freedom-preserving energy conservation

In view of the impending gas shortage, private households are called upon to reduce their gas and energy consumption. The moral appeals of those in power harbor the danger that people will react with reactance instead of the desired change in behavior.

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Dominik H. Enste / Jennifer Potthoff IW-Analyse No. 146 30. December 2021

Behavioral Economics and Climate Protection: Better regulation and green nudges for more sustainability

Protecting the climate is one of the greatest challenges our society is currently facing. In view of the heated political and social discussions surrounding this topic, the question naturally arises as to whether behavioral-economic insights can be used to ...

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