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The Economics of Hypergamy

Author

Listed:
  • Ingvild Almås
  • Andreas Kotsadam
  • Espen R. Moen
  • Knut Røed
Abstract
Partner selection is a vital feature of human behavior with important consequences for individuals, families, and society. We use the term hypergamy to describe a phenomenon whereby there is a tendency for husbands to be of higher rank within the male earnings capacity distribution than their wives are within the female distribution. Such patterns are difficult to verify empirically because earnings are both a cause and an effect of the mating process. Using parental earnings rank as a predetermined measure of earnings capacity to solve the simultaneity problem, we show that hypergamy is an important feature of today’s mating patterns in one of the most gender-equal societies in the world, namely Norway. We argue that through its influence on household specialization, hypergamy may explain parts of the remaining gender wage gap.

Suggested Citation

  • Ingvild Almås & Andreas Kotsadam & Espen R. Moen & Knut Røed, 2023. "The Economics of Hypergamy," Journal of Human Resources, University of Wisconsin Press, vol. 58(1), pages 260-281.
    • Handle: RePEc:uwp:jhriss:v:58:y:2023:i:1:p:260-281
    Note: DOI: 10.3368/jhr.58.3.1219-10604R1
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    More about this item

    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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