An economic analysis of polygamy

Grossbard, Shoshana (1976): An economic analysis of polygamy. Published in: Current Anthropology , Vol. 17, No. 4 (December 1976): pp. 701-707.

Abstract

This article offers insights into the determinants of polygyny through an analysis of data from Maiduguri, a predominantly Moslem city in northeastern Nigeria. This is the first econometric study of polygamy. It also uses economic theory to derive predictions regarding the effects of male and female resources (including education and youth) on the likelihood of participation in a polygamous household. Men and women are viewed as separate decision-makers who bargain with each other. More schooling decreases women's chances of being one of many wives

• Item Type: MPRA Paper
• Language: English
• Keywords: marriage economic analysis polygamy education age Africa
• Subjects: D - Microeconomics > D1 - Household Behavior and Family Economics; D - Microeconomics > D1 - Household Behavior and Family Economics > D13 - Household Production and Intrahousehold Allocation; J - Labor and Demographic Economics > J1 - Demographic Economics; J - Labor and Demographic Economics > J1 - Demographic Economics > J12 - Marriage ; Marital Dissolution ; Family Structure ; Domestic Abuse; O - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth > O1 - Economic Development; O - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth > O1 - Economic Development > O13 - Agriculture ; Natural Resources ; Energy ; Environment ; Other Primary Products

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