John Knowles: Published Papers

Title: More on Marriage, Fertility and the Distribution of Income

Authors: Jeremy Greenwood, Nezih Guner, and John A. Knowles

Journal: International Economic Review, Vol. 44, No. 3. August 2003

First Version: November 1998

Abstract:

According to Pareto (1896), the distribution of income depends on "the nature of
the people comprising a society, on the organization of the latter, and, also, in part,
on chance." In the model developed here the "nature of the people" is captured by
attitudes toward marriage, divorce, fertility, and children. Singles search for mates in a
marriage market. Married agents bargain about work, and the quantity and quality of
children. They can divorce. Social policies, such as child support requirements, reflect
the "organization of the (society)." Finally, "chance" is modelled by randomness in
income, marriage opportunities, and marital bliss.

Journal of Economic Literature Classification Numbers: J12, J13