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Testing for utility inderdependence in marriage: evidence from panel data

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Powdthavee, Nattavudh (2004) Testing for utility inderdependence in marriage: evidence from panel data. Working Paper. Coventry: University of Warwick, Department of Economics. Warwick economic research papers (No.705).

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Abstract

This paper is the first of its kind to study utility interdependence in marriage using information on subjective well-being of a large sample of people living in the UK over the period 1991-2001. Using “residual” self-rated health to provide instrument for spouse’s well-being and allowing controls on individual fixed effects, we find strong evidence of altruism represented by interdependent relationships in the reported well-being found only among spouses, and not by partners in cohabiting union. Panel data also show that the well-being impact resulting from “caring” can be used to predict future income, unemployment, and marital status for the individuals.

Item Type:

Working or Discussion Paper (Working Paper)

Subjects:

H Social Sciences > HQ The family. Marriage. Woman

Divisions:

Faculty of Social Sciences > Economics

Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):

Marriage -- Psychological aspects, Utility theory, Panel analysis, Well-being, Happiness

Series Name:

Warwick economic research papers

Publisher:

University of Warwick, Department of Economics

Place of Publication:

Coventry

Official Date:

April 2004

Dates:

Date	Event
April 2004	Published

Number:

No.705

Number of Pages:

Status:

Not Peer Reviewed

Access rights to Published version:

Open Access

References:

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