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Equilibrium Search and the Impact of Equal Opportunities for Women

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  • Coles, M
  • Francesconi, M

Abstract

This paper develops a new equilibrium model of two-sided search where ex-ante heterogenous individuals have general payoff functions and vectors of attributes. The analysis applies to a large class of models, from the non-transferable utility case to the collective household case with bargaining. The approach is powerful for it identifies a simple algorithm which, in the empirical application, is found to rapidly converge to equilibrium. Using indirect inference, we identify the differential effects of women's ability and charm on female match incentives. We use these results to assess the separate impacts of the arrival of equal opportunities for women in the labor market and the advent of the contraceptive pill on female economic activity and matching.

Suggested Citation

  • Coles, M & Francesconi, M, 2017. "Equilibrium Search and the Impact of Equal Opportunities for Women," Economics Discussion Papers 19960, University of Essex, Department of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:esx:essedp:19960
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    5. Zhang, Hanzhe, 2019. "An Investment-and-Marriage Model with Differential Fecundity," Working Papers 2019-11, Michigan State University, Department of Economics.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Two-sided search; Multiple attribute matching; Marriage; Female labor supply; Contraceptive pill;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C6 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Mathematical Methods; Programming Models; Mathematical and Simulation Modeling
    • J0 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - General
    • J1 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics
    • N3 - Economic History - - Labor and Consumers, Demography, Education, Health, Welfare, Income, Wealth, Religion, and Philanthropy

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