We consider two models of a system of cities in which landlords have some power in negotiating rental prices at which lands are rented to develop cities. Analysis shows that the equilibrium city size is smaller than the optimal city size in a model in which city sizes are controlled by development companies or by local governments. Furthermore, it is shown that the equilibrium city size tends t...

Abstract Family systems shape social institutions, yet they are rarely considered in histories of economic development. In this article, we show that a suite conventions—such as age gaps at marriage, bride price, sequestration, and discrimination violence against women—are overrepresented polygamous societies compared to monogamous societies. This dichotomy can be explained on the grounds polyg...