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The cultural evolution of age-at-marriage norms

Author

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  • Francesco C. Billari

    (Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, Rostock, Germany)

  • Alexia Prskawetz

    (Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, Rostock, Germany)

  • Johannes Fürnkranz

Abstract

We present an agent-based model designed to study the cultural evolution of age-at-marriage norms. We review theoretical arguments and empirical evidence on the existence of norms proscribing marriage outside of an acceptable age interval. Using a definition of norms as constraints built in agents, we model the transmission of norms, and of mechanisms of intergenerational transmission of norms. Agents can marry each other only if they share part of the acceptable age interval. We perform several simulation experiments on the evolution across generations. In particular, we study the conditions under which norms persist in the long run, the impact of initial conditions, the role of random mutations, and the impact of social influence. Although the agent-based model we use is highly stylized, it gives important insights on the societal-level dynamics of life-course norms.

Suggested Citation

  • Francesco C. Billari & Alexia Prskawetz & Johannes Fürnkranz, 2002. "The cultural evolution of age-at-marriage norms," MPIDR Working Papers WP-2002-018, Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, Rostock, Germany.
    • Handle: RePEc:dem:wpaper:wp-2002-018
    DOI: 10.4054/MPIDR-WP-2002-018
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Felix Flentge & Daniel Polani & Thomas Uthmann, 2001. "Modelling the Emergence of Possession Norms Using Memes," Journal of Artificial Societies and Social Simulation, Journal of Artificial Societies and Social Simulation, vol. 4(4), pages 1-3.
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    3. Kohler, Hans-Peter, 2001. "Fertility and Social Interaction: An Economic Perspective," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, number 9780199244591.
    4. Chris Wilson, 1999. "Evolutionary Theory and Historical Fertility Change," Population and Development Review, The Population Council, Inc., vol. 25(3), pages 531-541, September.
    5. Epstein, Joshua M, 2001. "Learning to Be Thoughtless: Social Norms and Individual Computation," Computational Economics, Springer;Society for Computational Economics, vol. 18(1), pages 9-24, August.
    6. Cristiano Castelfranchi & Rosaria Conte & Mario Paolucci, 1998. "Normative Reputation and the Costs of Compliance," Journal of Artificial Societies and Social Simulation, Journal of Artificial Societies and Social Simulation, vol. 1(3), pages 1-3.
    7. Nicole J. Saam & Andreas G. Harrer, 1999. "Simulating Norms, Social Inequality, and Functional Change in Artificial Societies," Journal of Artificial Societies and Social Simulation, Journal of Artificial Societies and Social Simulation, vol. 2(1), pages 1-2.
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    Cited by:

    1. Jafarey, S. & Mainali, R. M. & Montes-Rojas, G., 2014. "The Anticipation Effect of Marriage on Female Education: Theory and Evidence from Nepal," Working Papers 15/12, Department of Economics, City University London.
    2. Thomas K. Burch, 2003. "Demography in a new key," Demographic Research, Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, Rostock, Germany, vol. 9(11), pages 263-284.
    3. Yan Wei & Li Zhang, 2015. "Involuntary Bachelorhood in Rural China," China Report, , vol. 51(1), pages 1-22, February.
    4. Francesco Billari & Alexia Prskawetz & Belinda Aparicio Diaz & Thomas Fent, 2007. "The "Wedding-Ring"," Demographic Research, Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, Rostock, Germany, vol. 17(3), pages 59-82.

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    JEL classification:

    • J1 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics
    • Z0 - Other Special Topics - - General

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