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Same-Sex Marriage and Negative Externalities: A Critique, Replication, and Correction of Langbein and Yost*

* This paper is a replication of an original study

Author

Listed:
  • Douglas W. Allen
  • Joseph Price

Abstract

In 2009, Laura Langbein and Mark Yost published an empirical paper on same-sex marriage, and they concluded: “The argument that same-sex marriage poses a negative externality on society cannot be rationally held.” Here we provide a multifaceted critique. We argue that their empirical strategy is unable to test a realistic externality mechanism. Furthermore, we show that the data they use for their test is inappropriate and that the actual results found are based on questionable coding of their legal variables. Still further, their results are often not robust to alternative estimation methods and universally lack statistical power. The conclusion drawn in their paper, that there can be no rational grounds for opposing same-sex marriage laws, is not supported.

Suggested Citation

  • Douglas W. Allen & Joseph Price, 2015. "Same-Sex Marriage and Negative Externalities: A Critique, Replication, and Correction of Langbein and Yost," Econ Journal Watch, Econ Journal Watch, vol. 12(2), pages 142–160-1, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:ejw:journl:v:12:y:2015:i:2:p:142-160
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Justin Wolfers, 2006. "Did Unilateral Divorce Laws Raise Divorce Rates? A Reconciliation and New Results," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 96(5), pages 1802-1820, December.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. D. Mark Anderson & Kyutaro Matsuzawa & Joseph J. Sabia, 2019. "Marriage Equality Laws and Youth Suicidal Behaviors," NBER Working Papers 26364, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    2. Laura Langbein & Mark A. Yost, Jr., 2015. "Still No Evidence of Negative Outcomes from Same-Sex Marriage," Econ Journal Watch, Econ Journal Watch, vol. 12(2), pages 161–163-1, May.
    3. Anderson, D. Mark & Matsuzawa, Kyutaro & Sabia, Joseph J., 2019. "Marriage Equality Laws and Youth Mental Health," IZA Discussion Papers 12819, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    4. Michael Earhart & E. Frank Stephenson, 2018. "Same-sex marriage legalization and wedding tourism: evidence from Charleston and Savannah," Journal of Economics and Finance, Springer;Academy of Economics and Finance, vol. 42(3), pages 566-574, July.

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    Replication

    This item is a replication of:
  • Laura Langbein & Mark A. Yost, 2009. "Same‐Sex Marriage and Negative Externalities," Social Science Quarterly, Southwestern Social Science Association, vol. 90(2), pages 292-308, June.

    • More about this item

    Keywords

    Same-sex marriage; gay marriage; civil union;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D10 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - General
    • J1 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics

    Lists

    This item is featured on the following reading lists, Wikipedia, or ReplicationWiki pages:
    1. Same-Sex Marriage and Negative Externalities: A Critique, Replication, and Correction of Langbein and Yost (EJW 2015) in ReplicationWiki

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