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La crisi della relazione coniugale: incoerenza dinamica e fallimenti istituzionali
[Dynamic Inconsistency and Institutional Failures in Marital Breakdown]

Author

Listed:
  • Salustri, Andrea
  • Montefusco, Eugenio

Abstract

This study examines several possible causes of marital relationship breakdown through the analytical framework of contract theory and game theory. The marital relationship is modeled as a long-term relational contract characterized by idiosyncratic investments that generate relationship-specific capital. The DRCGEL (Dynamic Relational Contract Game with Exit through Litigation) model is employed to formalize the paradox of dynamic inconsistency: the ex post rationality of forgiving a contractual breach in order to preserve the accumulated relational capital ultimately undermines the credibility of ex ante sanctions, thereby encouraging opportunistic behavior. The analysis is further extended through the DRCEEGL (Dynamic Relational Contract Enforcement Exploitation Game through Litigation) model, which demonstrates that, in the presence of information asymmetries and appropriable litigation-related advantages (such as the allocation of the marital home or spousal maintenance transfers), the legal system may evolve from a protective institution into a rent-extraction technology. This dynamic provides a sociological explanation for the marginalization of the paternal role and the erosion of his parental capacity as outcomes of an institutional failure in legislative mechanism design. The study concludes by proposing institutional reforms aimed at eliminating the profitability of conflict and strengthening incentives for cooperation.

Suggested Citation

  • Salustri, Andrea & Montefusco, Eugenio, 2026. "La crisi della relazione coniugale: incoerenza dinamica e fallimenti istituzionali [Dynamic Inconsistency and Institutional Failures in Marital Breakdown]," MPRA Paper 130035, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    • Handle: RePEc:pra:mprapa:130035
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Matthias Fahn & Ray Rees & Amelie Wuppermann, 2016. "Relational contracts for household formation, fertility choice and separation," Journal of Population Economics, Springer;European Society for Population Economics, vol. 29(2), pages 421-455, April.
    2. Pollak, Robert A, 1985. "A Transaction Cost Approach to Families and Households," Journal of Economic Literature, American Economic Association, vol. 23(2), pages 581-608, June.
    3. Righetto, Giovanni, 2023. "Marriage patterns and the gender gap in labor force participation: Evidence from Italy," Labour Economics, Elsevier, vol. 82(C).
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • C73 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Game Theory and Bargaining Theory - - - Stochastic and Dynamic Games; Evolutionary Games
    • J12 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Marriage; Marital Dissolution; Family Structure
    • K12 - Law and Economics - - Basic Areas of Law - - - Contract Law

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