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An evolutionary model of prenatal and postnatal discrimination against females

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  • Alcalde-Unzu, Jorge
  • Echavarri, Rebeca
  • Husillos, Javier

Abstract

Discrimination against born and unborn females is a well-documented phenomenon in countries such as India, China, Taiwan or Korea. Empirical studies support both additive and substitutive relationships between prenatal and postnatal discriminatory practices against females. We introduce a theoretical evolutionary model that endogenizes the preference for sons in a society, and consequently, can explain why one type of relationship or the other emerges in a society.

Suggested Citation

  • Alcalde-Unzu, Jorge & Echavarri, Rebeca & Husillos, Javier, 2020. "An evolutionary model of prenatal and postnatal discrimination against females," Mathematical Social Sciences, Elsevier, vol. 104(C), pages 1-14.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:matsoc:v:104:y:2020:i:c:p:1-14
    DOI: 10.1016/j.mathsocsci.2020.01.002
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Rebeca Echavarri, 2022. "Neonatal discrimination and excess female mortality in childhood in Spain in the first half of the twentieth century," Cliometrica, Journal of Historical Economics and Econometric History, Association Française de Cliométrie (AFC), vol. 16(1), pages 79-104, January.

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