Do Economic Factors Determine the End of a Conjugal Relationship? An Econometric Investigation

Abstract

The article investigates the subject of the married union within the context of random choice by the agent. Herein are defined the states that an agent can assume in a relationship (single, cohabitation and married) in order to discover which factors can influence the change from one state to another (single to married, for example). Hence, we use a multinomial logit model as the form of estimating probability of choice of status. According to Becker (1976), the subject of marriage in modern society can be analyzed from the rational agent's standpoint that a market exists where the agent chooses a partner to maximize utility subject to restriction. The econometric results present interesting results, displaying a certain distinction between the men's and the women’s behavior, regarding status changes in the relationships. In relation to the economic factors, these were shown to be important for both sexes.

Keywords: Married union, Economic factors, Multinomial logit

JEL Classification: J12