Francesconi, Marco, Ghiglino, Christian and Perry, Motty (2010) On the origin of the family. Discussion Paper. Jerusalem: The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Center for the Study of Rationality. Center for the Study of Rationality Discussion Paper Series (No.534). (Unpublished)

Research output not available from this repository.

Request-a-Copy directly from author or use local Library Get it For Me service.

Request Changes to record.

Abstract

This paper presents an overlapping generations model to explain why humans live in families rather than in other pair groupings. Since most non-human species are not familial, something special must be behind the family. It is shown that the two necessary features that explain the origin of the family are given by uncertain paternity and overlapping cohorts of dependent children. With such two features built into our model, and under the assumption that individuals care only for the propagation of their own genes, our analysis indicates that fidelity families dominate promiscuous pair bonding, in the sense that they can achieve greater survivorship and enhanced genetic fitness. The explanation lies in the free riding behavior that characterizes the interactions between competing fathers in the same promiscuous pair grouping. Kin ties could also be related to the emergence of the family. When we consider a kinship system in which an adult male transfers resources not just to his offspring but also to his younger siblings, we find that kin ties never emerge as an equilibrium outcome in a promiscuous environment. In a fidelity family environment, instead, kinship can occur in equilibrium and, when it does, it is efficiency enhancing in terms of greater survivorship and fitness. The model can also be used to shed light on the issue as to why virtually all major world religions are centered around the importance of the family.

Item Type:	Working or Discussion Paper (Discussion Paper)
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HQ The family. Marriage. Woman
Divisions:	Faculty of Social Sciences > Economics
Series Name:	Center for the Study of Rationality Discussion Paper Series
Publisher:	The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Center for the Study of Rationality
Place of Publication:	Jerusalem
Official Date:	February 2010
Dates:	Date Event February 2010 UNSPECIFIED
Number:	No.534
Institution:	University of Warwick
Status:	Not Peer Reviewed
Publication Status:	Unpublished

Request changes or add full text files to a record

Repository staff actions (login required)

View Item