| Abstract [eng] |
This dissertation in the field of economics investigates the interaction between social capital—particularly trust and social norms—and individual behavior in large-scale collective action problems, focusing on the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change. Using data from Lithuania, the United States, and the United Kingdom, the study explores how trust influences vaccination willingness, the impact of correcting misperceptions about climate policy support on both private and public climate actions, and the effects of norm-based communication on interpersonal trust. The research finds that institutional trust significantly increases vaccination willingness, while misperception-correcting information about climate policy support boosts public climate actions but reduces private ones. Additionally, while norm-based communication about pandemic behavior does not have a significant impact on interpersonal trust, uncooperative narratives affect public attitudes toward the pandemic and vaccines. These findings contribute to the behavioral economics literature by providing insights into the role of trust and norms in addressing large-scale social dilemmas. The results offer valuable implications for policymakers, particularly in public health and climate action, by highlighting the importance of trust and careful messaging in fostering cooperation. |
