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A Review of the Economics of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity

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  • M. V. Lee Badgett
  • Christopher S. Carpenter
  • Maxine J. Lee
  • Dario Sansone

Abstract

This article reviews the growing literature on the economics of sexual orientation and gender identity, a field that did not exist thirty years ago. We summarize, evaluate, and synthesize the literature on LGBTQ+ peoples' economic lives and livelihoods across key decision points in the life course: human capital investments, family formation and dissolution, and labor market activities. We identify common themes and patterns in the literature and outline important areas for further inquiry.

Suggested Citation

  • M. V. Lee Badgett & Christopher S. Carpenter & Maxine J. Lee & Dario Sansone, 2024. "A Review of the Economics of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity," Journal of Economic Literature, American Economic Association, vol. 62(3), pages 948-994, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:aea:jeclit:v:62:y:2024:i:3:p:948-94
    DOI: 10.1257/jel.20231668
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • D13 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - Household Production and Intrahouse Allocation
    • I26 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Returns to Education
    • I31 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - General Welfare, Well-Being
    • J12 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Marriage; Marital Dissolution; Family Structure
    • J13 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth
    • J16 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Gender; Non-labor Discrimination
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity

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