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The Economics of Hypergamy

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  • Moen, Espen R.
  • AlmÃ¥s, Ingvild
  • Kotsadam, Andreas
  • Røed, Knut

Abstract

Partner selection is a vital feature of human behavior with important consequences for indi-viduals, families, and society. Hypergamy occurs when a husband’s earning capacity system-atically exceeds that of his wife. We provide a theoretical framework that rationalizes hy-pergamy even in the absence of gender differences in the distribution of earnings capacity. Using parental earnings rank, a predetermined measure of earnings capacity that solves the simultaneity problem of matching affecting earnings outcomes, we show that hypergamy is an important feature of Norwegian mating patterns. A vignette experiment identifies gender differences in preferences that can explain the observed patterns.

Suggested Citation

  • Moen, Espen R. & AlmÃ¥s, Ingvild & Kotsadam, Andreas & Røed, Knut, 2019. "The Economics of Hypergamy," CEPR Discussion Papers 13606, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.
    • Handle: RePEc:cpr:ceprdp:13606
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Marriage; Gender identity; Labor supply; Household specialization;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J12 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Marriage; Marital Dissolution; Family Structure
    • D10 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - General
    • J22 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Time Allocation and Labor Supply

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