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The Economic Incentives of Cultural Transmission: Spatial Evidence from Naming Patterns across France

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  • Algan, Yann
  • Malgouyres, Clément
  • Mayer, Thierry

Abstract

This paper studies how economic incentives influence cultural transmission, using a crucial expression of cultural identity: Child naming decisions. Our focus is on Arabic versus Non-Arabic names given in France over the 2003-2007 period. Our model of cultural transmission features three determinants: (i) vertical (parental) cultural transmission culture; (ii) horizontal (neighborhood) influence; (iii) information on the economic penalty associated with Arabic names. We find that economic incentives largely influence naming choices: Would the parental expectation on the economic penalty be zero, the annual number of babies born with an Arabic name would be more than 50 percent larger.

Suggested Citation

  • Algan, Yann & Malgouyres, Clément & Mayer, Thierry, 2013. "The Economic Incentives of Cultural Transmission: Spatial Evidence from Naming Patterns across France," CEPR Discussion Papers 9416, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.
    • Handle: RePEc:cpr:ceprdp:9416
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Cultural economics; Cultural transmission; First names; Social interactions;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • Z1 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics
    • J3 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Wages, Compensation, and Labor Costs

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