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Title: Sexual orientation and household financial decisions: evidence from couples in the United States

Citation Type: Journal Article

Publication Year: 2011

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Abstract: We analyze how sexual orientation is related to household financial decisions using 2000 US Census data, and find that lesbian couples pay higher annual mortgages relative to house value than do heterosexual or gay couples. We also estimate that cohabiting heterosexuals pay more than their married counterparts. We link this homosexual-specific differential to homeowners’ propensity to save. This differential reflects the gender composition of same-sex households, and their very low fertility, in addition to the precautionary motives increasing cohabiting couples’ propensity to save relative to married ones. Evidence from retirement and social security income of older couples exhibits the same pattern of differentials by sexual orientation and cohabiting status.

Url: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11150-011-9122-9

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Authors: Negrusa, Brighita; Oreffice, Sonia

Periodical (Full): Review of Economics of the Household

Issue: 9

Volume: 4

Pages: 445-463

Data Collections: IPUMS USA

Topics: Gender

Countries: United States