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Endogenous growth and demographic transition in a model of cultural transmission

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  • Roman Zakharenko

    (National Research University Higher School of Economics, Russian Federation)

Abstract

Demographic transition theory is developed highlighting cultural transmission pattern as a key driver. Individuals maximize cultural fitness, i.e. the rate of own cultural type absorption by future generations. With low population density, one’s culture can be picked up only by own children, and so cultural fitness equals genetic fitness, individuals allocate all energy surplus to reproduction, and the Malthusian regime occurs. With rising population density, cultural transmission between non-relatives accelerates; knowledge production by an individual makes his culture more attractive. Individuals reallocate some of energy surplus from reproduction to knowledge production, causing technological growth. The model fits observed demographic transition patterns.

Suggested Citation

  • Roman Zakharenko, 2016. "Endogenous growth and demographic transition in a model of cultural transmission," Journal of Evolutionary Economics, Springer, vol. 26(5), pages 953-970, December.
  • Handle: RePEc:spr:joevec:v:26:y:2016:i:5:d:10.1007_s00191-016-0474-4
    DOI: 10.1007/s00191-016-0474-4
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    Cited by:

    1. Zakharenko, Roman, 2018. "Dead men tell no tales: how the Homo sapiens became Homo economicus," MPRA Paper 90643, University Library of Munich, Germany.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Endogenous growth; Cultural transmission; Demographic transition;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J11 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Demographic Trends, Macroeconomic Effects, and Forecasts
    • O44 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Growth and Aggregate Productivity - - - Environment and Growth
    • Z19 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics - - - Other

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