by Dario Sansone; CeRP WP 184/18
Abstract
This paper analyzes how the legalization of same-sex marriage in the U.S. affected gay and lesbian
couples in the labor market. Results from a difference-in-difference model show that both partners
in same-sex couples were more likely to be employed, to have a full-time contract, and to work
longer hours in states that legalized same-sex marriage. In line with a theoretical search model of
discrimination, suggestive empirical evidence supports the hypothesis that marriage equality led
to an improvement in employment outcomes among gays and lesbians and lower occupational
segregation thanks to a decrease in discrimination towards sexual minorities.
Published: July 2018