A theory of gender differences in parental altruism

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A theory of gender differences in parental altruism

Author Info

Mukesh Eswaran
Ashok Kotwal

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Ashok Kotwal

Abstract

We offer a theory of gender differences in parental altruism based on the asymmetry that female fertility is constrained but male fertility is relatively unconstrained. Modelling human preferences as having been shaped during the Pleistocene, we derive evolutionarily stable, co-evolved male and female preferences for altruism towards one's children. We demonstrate that there would be gender differences in parental altruism that depend on the relative abundance or scarcity of resources and the importance and substitutability of parental inputs in promoting the survival of offspring. The results point to greater altruism in females, under plausible conditions.

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Article provided by Canadian Economics Association in its journal Canadian Journal of Economics.

Volume (Year): 37 (2004)
Issue (Month): 4 (November)
Pages: 918-950
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Handle: RePEc:cje:issued:v:37:y:2004:i:4:p:918-950

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Related research
Keywords:

Find related papers by JEL classification:
D64 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Altruism
J16 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Gender; Non-labor Discrimination
P46 - Economic Systems - - Other Economic Systems - - - Household Behavior

Cited by:
(explanations, Please report citation or reference errors to , or , if you are the registered author of the cited work, log in to your RePEc Author Service profile, click on "citations" and make appropriate adjustments.)

De Fraja, Gianni, 2006. "The Origin of Utility," CEPR Discussion Papers 5859, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers. [Downloadable!] (restricted)
B. Curtis Eaton & Mukesh Eswaran & Robert Oxoby, 2009. "'Us' and 'Them': The Origin of Identity, and its Economic Implications," Working Papers 2009-03, Department of Economics, University of Calgary, revised 01 Jan 2009. [Downloadable!]

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