Frank Neher

Mr. Neher s research is focused on formulating a theory of symbolic values that accounts for social behavioral incentives in economic theory. Culture is a multidimensional phenomenon varying over time and space. It is a crucial factor in determining economic outcomes. However the specific influence of different cultural phenomena is little understood. The same hold true for the source of cultural variation. In his work, Mr. Neher introduces a system of symbolic values into an otherwise standard neoclassical setting, thereby modeling social interdependencies. He addresses the question under what circumstances values influence the material allocations in a society and how values change over time in response to changing material conditions. The Theory of Symbolic Values will be applied to two particular areas; changing female labor supply over time and centralized, state planned value setting. This second field might be particularly interesting in the light of questions of integration and democratization.