Friedman D, Hechter M, Kanazawa S
University of Washington.
Demography. 1994 Aug;31(3):375-401.
This paper uses a non-standard value assumption--uncertainty reduction--to explain parenthood. We begin by reviewing the inadequacies of normative and standard rational choice explanations of shifts in fertility behavior. Then we propose a theory of the value of children based on the uncertainty-reduction assumption. Next we generate a range of hypotheses that follow both from this assumption and from a subsidiary assumption of marital solidarity enhancement. Finally, we explore the extent to which implications based on these new ideas are supported by the relevant empirical literature.
本文采用一种非标准的价值假设——不确定性降低——来解释生育行为。我们首先回顾规范的和标准的理性选择理论对生育行为转变解释的不足之处。然后我们基于不确定性降低假设提出一种子女价值理论。接下来我们推导出一系列基于这一假设以及婚姻团结增强这一辅助假设的假说。最后，我们探讨基于这些新观点的推论在多大程度上得到了相关实证文献的支持。
