COORDINATION, ALTRUISM AND UNDER-DEVELOPMENT

The article presents a consequentialist analysis of the impact of over lapping redistributive obligations on the process of economic developm ent. In using the Rotten Kid Theorem, it takes into account the existe nce of a redistributive norm internalised by specific individuals, who se behavior induces reciprocal strategic altruism. A comparison betwee n families and communities is introduced, in order to explore the cons equences of an extended altruistic interaction with particular attenti on devoted to developing countries. The conclusion is that under speci fic conditions, strategic altruism can be considered as a microeconomi c foundation of underdevelopment.