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On the Early Holocene: Foraging to Early Agriculture.
- Source :
- Economic Journal; Jul2006, Vol. 116 Issue 513, p751-772, 22p, 1 Diagram, 1 Chart
- Publication Year :
- 2006
-
Abstract
- We consider a world in which the mode of food production, foraging or agriculture, is endogenous, and in which technology grows exogenously. Within a model of coalition formation, we allow individuals to form co-operative communities (bands) of foragers or farmers rationally. At the lowest levels of technology, equilibrium entails the grand coalition of foragers, a co-operative structure which avoids over-exploitation of the environment. But at a critical state of technology, the co-operative structure breaks down through an individually rational splintering of the band. At this stage, there can be an increase in work and through the over-exploitation of the environment, a food crisis. In the end, technological growth may lead to a one-way transition from foraging to agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 00130133
- Volume :
- 116
- Issue :
- 513
- Database :
- Complementary Index
- Journal :
- Economic Journal
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 21509076
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-0297.2006.01110.x