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Sex Ratios, Polygyny, and the Value of Women in Marriage: A Beckerian Approach

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  • Grossbard, Shoshana

    (San Diego State University)

Abstract

A central component of his theory of marriage Becker's Demand and Supply (D&S) models of marriage are also among the most unique models he pioneered. Here I provide an overview of Becker's analysis of the effects of sex ratios – the ratio of men to women in marriage markets – on individual consumption of married men and women, and indicate some of the ways that this analysis has been expanded and tested. Becker also used D&S analysis to develop his argument that polygyny benefits women and used the positive association between brideprice and polygyny as evidence. Relying on D&S models of marriage and based on the section of Becker's Treatise on the Family dealing with "price" rigidities in marriage it is shown that polygyny may be harmful to women. Furthermore, the positive association between brideprice and polygyny does not necessarily prove that women are better off under polygyny than under monogamy.

Suggested Citation

  • Grossbard, Shoshana, 2014. "Sex Ratios, Polygyny, and the Value of Women in Marriage: A Beckerian Approach," IZA Discussion Papers 8728, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp8728
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    2. Leeson, Peter T. & Suarez, Paola A., 2017. "Child brides," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 144(C), pages 40-61.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    bride price; sex ratios; Gary Becker; economics of marriage; polygyny;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J12 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Marriage; Marital Dissolution; Family Structure
    • J16 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Gender; Non-labor Discrimination

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