Encephalization and Division of Labor by Early Humans

John M. Hartwick

No 1161, Working Papers from Queen's University, Department of Economics

Abstract: We draw on Ricardian comparative advantage between distinct persons to map out the division of labor among proto-humans in a village some 1.7 million years ago. A person specialized in maintaining a cooking fire in the village is of particular interest (Ofek [2001]). We are also interested in modelling hunting by village males in teams. The large issue is whether and how specialization (division of labor) and interpersonal trade might have driven brain-expansion in early humans.

Keywords: early humans; division of labor; brain expansion (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: A14 D51 J22 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-his
Date: 2007-11
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Persistent link: http://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:qed:wpaper:1161

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