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A new method for identifying the role of marital preferences at shaping marriage patterns

Author

Listed:
  • Anna NAZSZODI

    (European Commission, Joint Research Center)

  • Francisco MENDONCA

    (European Commission, Joint Research Center)

Abstract

We develop a method which assumes that marital preferences are characterized either by the scalar-valued measure proposed by Liu and Lu, or by the matrix-valued generalized Liu–Lu measure. The new method transforms an observed contingency table into a counterfactual table while preserving its (generalized) Liu–Lu value. After exploring some analytical properties of the new method, we illustrate its application by decomposing changes in the prevalence of homogamy in the US between 1980 and 2010. We perform this decomposition with two alternative transformation methods as well where both methods capture preferences differently from Liu and Lu. Finally, we use survey evidence to support our claim that out of the three considered methods, the new transformation method is the most suitable for identifying the role of marital preferences at shaping marriage patterns. These data are also in favor of measuring assortativity in preferences à la Liu and Lu.

Suggested Citation

  • Anna NAZSZODI & Francisco MENDONCA, 2023. "A new method for identifying the role of marital preferences at shaping marriage patterns," JODE - Journal of Demographic Economics, Cambridge University Press, vol. 89(1), pages 1-27, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:ctl:louvde:v:89:y:2023:i:1:p:1-27
    DOI: 10.1017/dem.2021.1
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Naszodi, Anna & Mendonca, Francisco, 2023. "A new method for identifying the role of marital preferences at shaping marriage patterns," Journal of Demographic Economics, Cambridge University Press, vol. 89(1), pages 1-27, March.
    2. DiNardo, John & Fortin, Nicole M & Lemieux, Thomas, 1996. "Labor Market Institutions and the Distribution of Wages, 1973-1992: A Semiparametric Approach," Econometrica, Econometric Society, vol. 64(5), pages 1001-1044, September.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    ALtham’s Index; Assortative mating; Choo-Siow Model; Conterfactual decompposition; Education homogamy; Generalised Liu-Lu measure; Index of Marital preferences; Iterative proportional fitting algorithm; Liu-Lu measure; Marital sorting parameter;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C02 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - General - - - Mathematical Economics
    • J12 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Marriage; Marital Dissolution; Family Structure

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