Acyclicity and Singleton Cores in Matching Markets

Abstract:     
This paper analyzes the role of acyclicity in singleton cores. We show that the absence of simultaneous cycles is a sufficient condition for the existence of singleton cores. Furthermore, acyclicity in the preferences of either side of the market is a minimal condition that guarantees the existence of singleton cores. If firms or workers preferences are acyclical, unique stable matching is obtained through a procedure that resembles a serial dictatorship. Thus, acyclicity generalizes the notion of common preferences. It follows that if the firms or workers preferences are acyclical, unique stable matching is strongly efficient for the other side of the market.

Number of Pages in PDF File: 15

Keywords: Stable Matching, Acyclicity, Singleton Cores

JEL Classification: C71, C78, D71

working papers series