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

Author

Listed:
  • Yann Algan
  • Clément Malgouyres
  • Thierry Mayer
  • Mathias Thoenig

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 (neighbourhood) influence; (iii) information on the economic penalty associated with Arabic names. We find that economic incentives largely influence naming choices: if the parental expectation on the economic penalty was zero, the annual number of babies born with an Arabic name would be more than 50% larger.

Suggested Citation

  • Yann Algan & Clément Malgouyres & Thierry Mayer & Mathias Thoenig, 2022. "The Economic Incentives of Cultural Transmission: Spatial Evidence from Naming Patterns Across France," The Economic Journal, Royal Economic Society, vol. 132(642), pages 437-470.
    • Handle: RePEc:oup:econjl:v:132:y:2022:i:642:p:437-470.
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    File URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1093/ej/ueab058
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    JEL classification:

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

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