A look at hidden economic concepts in the hit ABC hit comedy series Modern Family.
Alex has been asked to babysit her cousin Lily. Lily wants to play with dolls during this time, but Alex tries to convince her instead to read a book that involves empowering women. Lily insists on playing with dolls, and the first doll she shows Alex is a wife who does not have a career, but shops.
See more: gender roles, nature vs. nurture, pre-market discrimination, societal discrimination, specialization
Cam’s dad is down for a visit, and Jay is upset because he feels like he treats Mitchell like the “woman” in the relationship. Jay confronts Cams dad and they realize that gender roles are not the same today as they were when they were growing up, but it makes both of them feel a little better to ascribe certain traditionally female characteristics to their son’s partner.
See more: bargaining power, comparative advantage, gender roles, household labor supply, household production, specialization
Economics of Modern Family 