Population Genetics and Economic Growth

53 Pages Posted: 3 Oct 2000

See all articles by Paul J. Zak

Paul J. Zak

Claremont Graduate University - Center for Neuroeconomics Studies

Kwang Woo Park

Claremont Colleges, Claremont Graduate University - Department of Economics

Date Written: August 3, 2000

Abstract

This paper builds an age-structured model of human population genetics in which agents are endowed with a high-dimensional genome that determines their cognitive and physical characteristics. Young adults optimally search for a marriage partner, work for firms, consume goods, save for old age and, if married, decide how many children to have. Applying the fundamental genetic operators, children receive genetic material from their parents. An agent's human capital (productivity) is an aggregate of the received genetic endowment and environmental influences. Thus, the population of agents and the economy co-evolve. The model examines the impact of social and economic institutions on economic performance, including inequality in income and genetic attributes, the transition to an information economy, population bottlenecks, matchmaking, and love. We find that institutional factors significantly impact economic performance by affecting marriage, family size, and the intergenerational transmission of genes.

JEL Classification: J12, J13, J24, O40

Suggested Citation

Zak, Paul J. and Park, Kwang Woo, Population Genetics and Economic Growth (August 3, 2000). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=239990 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.239990

Paul J. Zak (Contact Author)

Claremont Graduate University - Center for Neuroeconomics Studies ( email )

160 E. 10th St.
Claremont, CA 91711-6165
United States

Kwang Woo Park

Claremont Colleges, Claremont Graduate University - Department of Economics ( email )

Claremont, CA 91711
United States

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