TY - JOUR T1 - Asymmetry of Information within Family Networks JF - Journal of Human Resources JO - J Hum Resour DO - 10.3368/jhr.54.1.0616.8023R1 SP - 0616_8023R1 AU - Joachim De Weerdt AU - Garance Genicot AU - Alice Mesnard Y1 - 2018/01/30 UR - http://jhr.uwpress.org/content/early/2018/01/25/jhr.54.1.0616.8023R1.abstract N2 - This paper studies asymmetry of information and transfers within 712 extended family networks from Tanzania. Using cross-reports on asset holdings, we construct measures of mis-perception of living standards among households within the same network. We contrast altruism, pressure, exchange and risk sharing as motives to transfer in simple models with asymmetric information. Testing the model predictions in the data uncovers the active role played by recipients of transfers. Our findings suggest that recipients set the terms of the transfers, either by exerting pressure on donors or because they hold substantial bargaining power in their exchange relationships. ER -