Selected Topics in Institutional Economics and International Economic Policy: The Economics of Marriage Institutions

Time: Block seminar in July

Participants: max. 20

Audience: MSc/IMP(Econ.&Pol.)

ECTS: 4/6

Language: englisch

Dates:

• Monday, 29 April 2019, 12-14 h, HS 1021 (KG I)
• Monday 03 July 2019, 10-17 h (individual appointments)
• Thursday, 04 July 2019, 10-17 h, R 204 (Breisacher Tor)
• Friday, 05 July 2019, 10-17 h, R 106 (Breisacher Tor)

Deadlines

• Application until April 24^th, 2019 (with the form and a transcript of records)
• First meeting (mandatory) with allocation of topics April 29^th, 2019, 12.00 -14 pm
• Withdrawal after April 29th, 2019 is not possible (or will be graded with a 5.0)
• Meetings with the supervisor (individual appointments) on June 3^rd, 2019
• Submission of review reports: July 1^st, 2019,
•  Presentations: July 4^th and 5^th (submissions by July 3^rd) 2019.
  
  

In this seminar we will apply economic reasoning to marriage. Based on the review of the existing literature, we will discuss marriage institutions from various economic perspectives. Starting with the traditional economic approach to marriage, which is based on rational choice theory, we will apply economic theory on the questions why people marry and why marriages do not always work out. Furthermore, we will take a look at institutional frameworks surround marriages such as marriage payments. Although monogamy seems to be the only current form of marriage in Western countries, there are still various states in which marriages between one man and many women (polygyny/polygamy) are common. The differences between monogamy and polygamy and the consequences for conflict, growth and development will be looked at. Finally, we will also take the law and economics perspective on specific issues, like divorce, inheritance, and marriage contracts.

The aim of the seminar paper is to show two things: (i) that you are able to conduct independent research on a new and unfamiliar topic; (ii) that you are able to gain a thorough understanding of the underlying theories, mechanisms or research strategies dealt with in the literature. Your review papers should show that you understood the main line of reasoning and message and that you are able to summarize it in your own words. Furthermore, you should show that you are able to place the papers in the literature and scientific discussion.

To apply for participation in this course, please download the Seminar Application Form. Fill out the form and return it, together with a transcript of records to the chair until April 24^th, 2019. Please return the form via e-mail (lskrieger@vwl.uni-freiburg.de).

Course Assessment:

4 ECTS:

• Review report for two papers Each student has to write two 1.500-1.800 word reviews on two papers covering two parts: i) Short summary of the paper ii) critical evaluation. The latter should cover the following questions: How is this paper placed in the literature? How general/important are the findings? Do we learn something new that we did not know before? How could the paper be improved or extended?
• Presentation in class: Length of presentation 25-30 minutes.
• Participation in class

6 ECTS: as 4 ECTS plus

• Exam in the end of the semester (30 minutes)
  
  

Thematic blocks:

• The Economic Approach to Marriage: Gains from marriage, matching, and divorce
• Marriage institutions: Monogamy and polygamy,  dowries and brideprices
• Marriage and its interconnectedness with

       - Education

       - Development

       - Demographics

       - Conflict