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Genetics, family structure, and economic growth

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  • Paul J. Zak

    () (Department of Economics, Claremont Graduate University, Claremont, CA 91711-6565, USA)

Abstract

Recent biomedical research shows that roughly three-quarters of cognitive abilities are attributable to genetics and family environment. This paper presents a growth model that characterizes the role of the intergenerational transmission of genes and the effect of family environment on growth trajectories. If the average human or physical capital stocks are sufficiently low, the model shows that the economy will be caught in a poverty trap. Conversely, countries with more resources will converge to a bala nced growth path where the average rate of genetic transmission of skills from parents to children determines the long-run rate of output growth. Increased genetic diversity (or income inequality) is shown to raise the fertility rate and reduce output growth in the transitional dynamics. Thus, nature and nurture are able to explain a variety of countries' growth experiences.

Suggested Citation

  • Paul J. Zak, 2002. "Genetics, family structure, and economic growth," Journal of Evolutionary Economics, Springer, vol. 12(3), pages 343-365.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:joevec:v:12:y:2002:i:3:p:343-365
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Ibragimov, Rustam, 2008. "A Tale of Two Tails: Peakedness Properties in Inheritance Models of Evolutionary Theory," Scholarly Articles 2624003, Harvard University Department of Economics.
    2. Paul J. Zak & Kwang Woo Park, "undated". "Population Genetics and Economic Growth," Claremont Colleges Working Papers 2000-20, Claremont Colleges.
    3. Yi Feng & Jacek Kugler & Paul Zak, "undated". "The Path to Prosperity: A Political Model of Demographic Change," Claremont Colleges Working Papers 1999-23, Claremont Colleges.

    More about this item

    Keywords

    Genetics - Siblings - Growth - Fertility - Human capital;

    JEL classification:

    • D9 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics
    • J13 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth

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