Endogenous growth and demographic transition in a model of cultural transmission

Roman Zakharenko

Journal of Evolutionary Economics, 2016, vol. 26, issue 5, No 2, 953-970

Abstract: Abstract Demographic transition theory is developed highlighting cultural transmission pattern as a key driver. Individuals maximize cultural fitness, i.e. the rate of own cultural type absorption by future generations. With low population density, one’s culture can be picked up only by own children, and so cultural fitness equals genetic fitness, individuals allocate all energy surplus to reproduction, and the Malthusian regime occurs. With rising population density, cultural transmission between non-relatives accelerates; knowledge production by an individual makes his 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 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: J11 O44 Z19 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2016
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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Working Paper: Endogenous Growth and Demographic Transition in a model of Cultural Transmission (2014)
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DOI: 10.1007/s00191-016-0474-4

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