A Theory of the Value of Children | Zendy

Debra Friedman | Zendy; Michael Hechter | Zendy; Satoshi Kanazawa | Zendy

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A Theory of the Value of Children

Author(s) -

Debra Friedman,

Michael Hechter,

Satoshi Kanazawa

Publication year - 1994

Publication title -

demography

Language(s) - English

Resource type - Journals

SCImago Journal Rank - 2.099

H-Index - 129

eISSN - 1533-7790

pISSN - 0070-3370

DOI - 10.2307/2061749

Subject(s) - normative , value (mathematics) , fertility , positive economics , economics , solidarity , value theory , econometrics , population , sociology , mathematics , statistics , epistemology , demography , political science , philosophy , politics , law

This paper uses a non-standard value assumption—uncertainty reduction—to explain parenthood. We begin by reviewing the inadequacies of normative and standard rational choice explanations of shifts in fertility behavior. Then we propose a theory of the value of children based on the uncertainty-reduction assumption. Next we generate a range of hypotheses that follow both from this assumption and from a subsidiary assumption of marital solidarity enhancement. Finally, we explore the extent to which implications based on these new ideas are supported by the relevant empirical literature.

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