Volume 2.2 - Discrimination - Spring 1998

Title: An Economic Consideration of Same-Gender Marriage and Fertility

Author: Adam A. Doty

Abstract: Same-gender marriages and homosexuality have been pushed into the national spotlight by recent legislation and court rulings. Opinions on this issue are based on widely varying criteria, yet few are based upon objective arguments. Economics offers a rational framework in which behavior and consequences from such behavior may be measured and analyzed. This paper is an extension of Gary Becker's economic theory on families and marriage with particular attention to same-gender marriage and family formation. Summary discussion of several concepts central to the economics of the family as they relate to some-gender family formation are considered throughout this article. First, this article will present a general discussion of marriage markets and decisions and rationales for cohabiting or marrying. Second, the economic gains to marriage for both homosexual and heterosexual couples will be examined. Third, fertility alternatives and demand for children by same-gender couples will be considered. The article concludes with a discussion of future outcomes and policy implications relating to gay and lesbian marriage and fertility. Given legal marriage, access to reproductive technologies, and legal adoption laws, homosexuals can enjoy the some benefits to family formation and fertility as heterosexuals. In addition, there are no economic externalities to provide a basis for discrimination.

About the Author: Adam A. Doty is a master's candidate at the Harris Graduate School of Public Policy Studies. His interests include child and family policy.

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