Endogenous Growth and Demographic Transition in a Model of Cultural Transmission

25 Pages Posted: 16 Jan 2015

See all articles by Roman Zakharenko

Roman Zakharenko

National Research University Higher School of Economics (Moscow)

Date Written: August 27, 2014

Abstract

Demographic transition theory is developed highlighting cultural transmission pattern as key driver. Individuals maximize cultural fitness, i.e. rate of own cultural type absorbtion by future generations. With low population density, one's culture can be picked up only by own children, thus cultural fitness equals genetic fitness, individuals allocate all energy surplus to reproduction, and Malthusian regime occurs. With rising population density, cultural transmission between non-relatives accelerates; knowledge production by an individual makes her culture more attractive. Individuals reallocate some of energy surplus from reproduction to knowledge production, causing technological growth. The model fits observed demographic transition patterns.

Keywords: Endogenous growth, Cultural transmission, Demographic transition

JEL Classification: J11, O44, Z19

Suggested Citation

Zakharenko, Roman, Endogenous Growth and Demographic Transition in a Model of Cultural Transmission (August 27, 2014). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2549640 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2549640

Roman Zakharenko (Contact Author)

National Research University Higher School of Economics (Moscow) ( email )

Myasnitskaya street, 20
Moscow, Moscow 119017
Russia

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