Essays on model specification in non-parametric consumption and production analysis.

This PhD focuses on non-parametric analysis of economic choice behaviour (both consumption and production behaviour). Contrary to more standard parametric techniques, non-parametric methods have as an advantage that they do not impose functional forms on the consumers' utilities or production technology. A specific application of this research is the analysis of consumption and production behaviour of multi-person families.

A first goal is the development and application of non-parametric methods to identify the structural model that best fits the observed choice behaviour. These models do not exclusively focus on consumption and production, but  can also be used to analyse allocations of time within families or the well-being of children. This makes it possible to study (on top of the rational consumption behaviour of families) the division of family income between members and the associated individual well-being of every family member. Furthermore, these models allow for empirical counterfzctual analyses aimed at stimulating certain policy initiatives.