Endogenous Growth and Demographic Transition in a Model of Cultural Transmission
25 Pages Posted: 16 Jan 2015
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: Suggested Citation