Publication Date

Spring 12-1-2009

Abstract

Household production is the result of inputs from a variety of members, each of whom contains overlapping but non-identical interests. This dissertation explores the conditions under which the division of labor and the allocation of household resources precipitates parent-offspring and spousal conflict. This broad goal is addressed through three specific goals: 1) to identify factors affecting variation in the likelihood of task delegation to children and resistance toward performing delegated tasks; 2) to understand how variation in household labor demand influences childrens time allocation, considering ways in which behavioral manipulation might compromise the child's future prospects; and 3) to understand the causes and consequences of men's diverted investment in offspring. Common to each of these issues is the recognition that individuals often face a trade-off between investing in ego- versus family-directed pursuits, and that the costs and benefits of familial investment will change in response to specific individual and familial circumstances. Taken together, results show that at times self-interest pervades relations of even the closest of kin. This highlights a need for the development of models of family behavior that incorporate children and parents as effective decision-makers capable of influencing outcomes with respect to converging and diverging goals.'

Document Type

Dissertation

Language

English

Degree Name

Anthropology

Level of Degree

Doctoral

Department Name

Anthropology

First Committee Member (Chair)

Kaplan, Hillard

Second Committee Member

Lancaster, Jane

Third Committee Member

Winking, Jeffrey

Fourth Committee Member

Gangestad, Steven

Fifth Committee Member

Gurven, Michael

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