Working Paper: CEPR ID: DP4803
Authors: Eric D. Gould; Omer Moav; Avi Simhon
Abstract: This Paper examines why developed countries are monogamous while rich men throughout history have tended to practice polygyny (multiple wives). Wealth inequality naturally produces multiple wives for rich men in a standard model of the marriage market where polygyny is not ruled out. Our model demonstrates, however, that while higher male inequality generates more polygyny, higher female inequality produces a more monogamous equilibrium. Moreover, we derive how female inequality in the marriage market is higher in equilibrium as women are valued more for their quality versus quantity of children when human capital becomes more important in determining the distribution of income. As a result, male inequality in traditional societies generates inequality in the number of wives per man, but male inequality in developed societies, where human capital is a larger source of income and inequality, manifests itself as inequality in the quality of their wives. Using data from Cote d?Ivoire, we provide supporting evidence for the main implications of the model.
Keywords: Human Capital; Inequality; Marriage; Monogamy; Polygyny
JEL Codes: J12; J24; O10; O40
Edges that are evidenced by causal inference methods are in orange, and the rest are in light blue.
| Cause | Effect |
|---|---|
| Higher male income inequality (D31) | Increased rates of polygyny (J12) |
| Higher female inequality (F63) | More monogamous equilibrium (C62) |
| In advanced economies (O52) | Demand for child quality increases (J13) |
| Demand for child quality increases (J13) | Raises the value of high-quality women (J16) |
| Higher value of high-quality women (J16) | Makes polygyny less affordable (J12) |
| Increasing power of women (J16) | Higher value in producing quality children (J13) |
| Higher value in producing quality children (J13) | Consistent with equal division of household resources (D13) |
| Nonlabor income (J39) | Increases polygyny (J12) |
| Labor income and education (J24) | Decrease polygyny (J12) |