Working Paper: CEPR ID: DP15152
Authors: Robert Akerlof; Luis Rayo
Abstract: We augment Becker's classic model of the family by assuming that, in addition to caring about consumption, the family wishes to further a subjective story, or narrative, that captures its deeply held values. Our focus is on two stories that in many ways are polar opposites. The first one--the protector narrative--gives rise to a type of traditional family where gender roles are distinct, men and women are pushed towards "separate spheres," and men are expected to be tough and authoritarian. The second one--the fulfillment narrative--gives rise to a type of modern family where roles are less distinct, family members have greater latitude in their decisions, and marriages are based to a greater extent on romantic love. We derive a rich bundle of behaviors associated with each story, and using survey data, we show that our findings are consistent with a variety of empirical patterns.
Keywords: family; narratives; gender norms; marriage
JEL Codes: D10; Z10
Edges that are evidenced by causal inference methods are in orange, and the rest are in light blue.
| Cause | Effect |
|---|---|
| protector narrative (F52) | traditional family structure (J12) |
| protector narrative (F52) | distinct gender roles (J16) |
| protector narrative (F52) | underinvestment in women's human capital (J24) |
| protector narrative (F52) | strict adherence to traditional gender norms (J16) |
| fulfillment narrative (Y60) | modern family structure (J12) |
| fulfillment narrative (Y60) | less distinct roles (Y80) |
| fulfillment narrative (Y60) | egalitarian behaviors (D63) |
| protector narrative (F52) | stronger gender norms (J16) |
| fulfillment narrative (Y60) | fluidity in roles (J62) |
| fulfillment narrative (Y60) | greater emphasis on individual fulfillment (I31) |
| narratives (Y40) | family behaviors (J12) |
| narratives (Y40) | marriage rates (J12) |
| narratives (Y40) | gender roles (J16) |