Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/101863 
Year of Publication: 
2014
Series/Report no.: 
IZA Discussion Papers No. 8307
Publisher: 
Institute for the Study of Labor (IZA), Bonn
Abstract: 
A woman assessing the wealth of a potential husband may observe some, but not all, of his wealth. She may screen, leading to status consumption and wasteful gift giving. The screening activity is costly not only for the potential husband, but also for the woman, as it reduces the wealth of the man she may marry. A sound observable financial background ('old money') benefits the candidate but also the woman, and reduces wasteful status consumption spending. Also, aging and attractiveness of the woman affect the equilibrium conspicuous spending pattern.
Subjects: 
marriage
screening
search
conspicuous consumption
status
JEL: 
J12
D82
Document Type: 
Working Paper

Files in This Item:
File
Size
249.65 kB





Items in EconStor are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise indicated.