Abstract

AMADOR, Diego  and  BERNAL, Raquel. ¿Unión libre o matrimonio? Efectos en el bienestar de los hijos. El trimestre econ [online]. 2012, vol.79, n.315, pp.529-573. ISSN 2448-718X.

In this paper we evaluate whether there are differences in adult and child outcomes between cohabiting and married households, once differences in observed characteristics are controlled for and possible endogeneity biases due to selection issues are taken into account by using an instrumental variables estimator. We use a variety of Colombian data sources that contain a wealth of data on children's outcome measures. We find that cohabiting households are worse off in various dimensions including ownership of durable goods and child outcomes. In addition, we attempt to understand the reasons why these differences arise and find evidence that cohabiting households exhibit less stable and forward looking behaviors, are characterized by less risk sharing and specialization, and exhibit less healthy behaviors and different childrearing practices.

Keywords : estructura familiar; matrimonio; bienestar infantil.

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