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on Cultural Economics |
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Issue of 2025–04–07
three papers chosen by Roberto Zanola, Università degli Studi del Piemonte Orientale |
| By: | Salvatore Carrozzo; Elisabetta Lodigiani; Alessandra Venturini |
| Abstract: | The consumption of cultural goods can play a crucial role in the social and economic integration of immigrants into their destination country. In this paper, we investigate the effect of the cultural national program, IoStudio, designed to enhance the consumption of cultural goods - by providing free or discount access - among upper secondary students in Italy, on post-secondary investment in education and early labor market conditions among young immigrants. Using data from a unique survey conducted by the Institute for Multiethnic Studies (ISMU) on a representative sample of the entire immigrant population in the Italian Lombardy region and employing a difference-in differences estimator, we find that the IoStudio policy has positive effects on investment in post-secondary education. Additionally, young foreigners exposed to the policy exhibit higher earnings, at least in the short run, when they enter the labour market. We claim that cultural consumption by immigrants is a relevant concern, deserving close attention in terms of increasing social capital and labour market inclusion. |
| Keywords: | Cultural participation; migrants; integration; Italy |
| JEL: | Z11 J61 J62 I26 |
| Date: | 2025–03–26 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:csl:devewp:501 |
| By: | Mattinen, Topias (Tampere University); Macey, Joseph; Hamari, Juho |
| Abstract: | The convergence of gaming and gambling, known as "gamblification", has been a topic of increasing interest in recent years. Loot boxes, i.e., rewards offering randomized content in exchange for money or time, have been a particular focal point. Research has shown links between excessive loot box consumption and problematic consumption behaviors, leading to several attempts to regulate loot boxes. Arguments against regulation have been that loot boxes are conceptually and structurally akin to other unregulated game formats, such as collectible card games. However, this discourse is often without deeper analysis of the mechanics of different products at the center of convergence. Therefore, to add to this knowledge, this article examines the similarities and differences between booster packs in Magic Arena, their physical counterparts in Magic: The Gathering, and loot boxes included in digital games. Particular attention is paid to the ways in which these booster packs compare to loot boxes in terms of consumption patterns, visual appearance, contextual factors, and regulation. Analysis reveals that digital booster packs in Magic Arena differ from both loot boxes and physical card packs, both due to their direct impact on gameplay, and their unique features afforded by the digital environment in which they exist. |
| Date: | 2023–08–10 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:osf:osfxxx:s9xqt_v1 |
| By: | Mehdi Farsi; Martin Péclat; Michael Puntiroli; Sylvain Weber |
| Abstract: | Energy cultures, broadly defined as shared beliefs, practices, and material preferences that shape energy-related behaviors, provide a useful framework for investigating consumption differences across population groups. We investigate how households' energy demand behavior differ across the French-German language border in Switzerland. Our empirical strategy focuses on a regression discontinuity design, leveraging the clear separation created by the language border. We distinguish between two types of behavior, one linked to mobility and another to electricity consumption. Our results indicate that electricity consumption is relatively stable across the border. On the other hand, households residing in the French-speaking region show on average a greater usage of own vehicle, measured by annual distance traveled. This difference remain significant across the language border, suggesting that cultural elements could drive meaningful differences in private car travel. While we do not find evidence for energy culture differences in electricity demand, our results point to distinct energy cultures with regards to car usage, therefore in the mobility domain. |
| Keywords: | Energy culture, Household energy demand, Electricity usage, Mobility, Correlated random effects, Regression discontinuity design |
| JEL: | C24 R23 R41 Q40 |
| Date: | 2025–03 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:irn:wpaper:25-01 |