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Cross-Cultural Differences in Family and Sexual Life

Author

Listed:
  • GARY S. BECKER

    (University of Chicago)

  • RICHARD A. POSNER

    (U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit and University of Chicago Law School)

Abstract

This article uses rational choice theory to explain family and sexual life in so-called primitive societies. It develops implications of the theory that relate the degree of polygamy, the relative value placed on men and women (as proxied by the respective amounts of “bloodwealth†prescribed for killing or wounding a man or a woman), and the degree of homosexuality to each other and to other variables, including the relative numbers of men and women and the mode of production—whether agricultural or hunting and gathering. Examined is quantitative evidence bearing on these implications from almost 70 societies.

Suggested Citation

  • Gary S. Becker & Richard A. Posner, 1993. "Cross-Cultural Differences in Family and Sexual Life," Rationality and Society, , vol. 5(4), pages 421-431, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:ratsoc:v:5:y:1993:i:4:p:421-431
    DOI: 10.1177/1043463193005004002
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Becker, Gary S., 1978. "The Economic Approach to Human Behavior," University of Chicago Press Economics Books, University of Chicago Press, number 9780226041124, April.
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    Cited by:

    1. Anderson, C. Leigh & Swimmer, Eugene, 1997. "Some empirical evidence on property rights of first peoples," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 33(1), pages 1-22, May.

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