The Economics of Misbehavior and Love in Marriage

Abstract

This paper presents a mathematical model examining the role of love in marriage. This paper extends the new theory of marriage, especially that developed by Becker, by examining the effect sharing of family output has on individual family member incentives. This paper models techniques used by families to assure proper member behavior and, in particular, the role of love as an enforcement tool. The model suggests a number of testable implications which provide fertile ground for future research.