Work

Unobservable Individual Effects, Marriage and the Earnings of Young Men

Year: 1997

Type: article

Abstract: While there is compelling evidence that married men earn more than unmarried men, the source of this premium remains unsettled. Using panel data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Young Men, we show that much of the premium normally attributed to marriage is associated with unobservable individual effects that are correlated with marital status and wages. To the extent there is a gain, it is purely an intercept shift and no more than 5% to 7%. Our findings cast doubt on the interpretation that marriage enhances productivity through specialization.

Source: Economic Inquiry

DOI: 10.1111/j.1465-7295.1997.tb01910.x

Authors: CHRISTOPHER CORNWELL, PETER RUPERT

Institutions: University of Georgia, University of Southern California, Federal Reserve, University of Waterloo, Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland, University of Rochester

Language: English

Topic: Labor market dynamics and wage inequality

Subfield: Economics and Econometrics

Field: Economics, Econometrics and Finance

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Decent work and economic growth

Open Access status: green

OpenAlex ID: W2170288801

FWCI: 10.72

Cites: 7

Cited by: 133

Related to: 10