Department of Economics
University of California, Berkeley
January 10, 2007
Field Exam for Economic Demography
Please answer all parts of all questions. The four numbered questions count equally in the
grade. Cite the literature where appropriate. You have three hours. You should allocate
roughly 45 minutes to each question. You may use a calculator for Question 4.
1. The age at first marriage for women in the US and most other industrial nations has
been rising in recent decades, and fewer women are marrying at all. Discuss possible
causes of these trends, drawing on the economics of marriage. Also discuss the
possible role of improved contraception and explain how this might be interpreted in
terms of the economic theory of marriage.
2. General health and longevity have improved markedly in the industrial nations during
the past century or two. To some degree this improvement reflects advances in
biomedical technology and public hygiene. However, rising income may also have
been directly relevant, in addition to any indirect effects on technology and public
hygiene. Draw on the theoretical and empirical literature to explain how and why
economic improvement might have a direct effect. Discuss how any such effect might
vary across the life cycle. Discuss why it is difficult to establish causality.
3. Write briefly on the following points (about ten minutes on each of the four parts):
a. According to a theory proposed by Becker and Murphy, the introduction of
public education might be linked to the introduction of public pensions.
Briefly outline the theory and explain how the linked introduction of these
programs might achieve efficiency gains.
b. From a societal point of view, would the optimal saving rate be higher or
lower in an aging population than in a young one? (refer to Cutler et al, 1990)
Explain your answer. Would it matter whether population was aging due to
low fertility or to longer life?
c. If both numbers of children and quality of children are normal goods, then
why has fertility tended to fall as income has risen, either over time or in the
cross section? What is the basic insight that the quantity-quality theory offers
on this point?
d. The use of modern contraceptives leads to lower fertility, and family planning
programs facilitate access to modern contraceptives. Why, then, is it difficult
to assess the role of family planning programs as a causal factor for fertility
decline in the Third World? Refer to the literature.
