Kinderkosten und familiengründung: Erste befunde einer prüfung der neuen haushaltsökonomie unter verwendung von paardaten

Abstract

The aim of this contribution is to examine basic implications of the New Home Economics (NHE) with respect to family formation using data from couples. This investigation extends the multitude of empirical applications of the NHE in two ways: First, the often neglected income hypothesis is tested simultaneously to the prominent opportunity cost hypothesis. Second, child-related costs are measured directly rather than assumed from individual's socio-economic position since they were indicated by the respondent's individual perception. Within a pre-study of the German Panel Analysis of Intimate Relationships and Family Dynamics a sub-sample of 237 couples was conducted in 2006. Due to the cross-sectional nature of the data and the limited validity of some indices the findings are only of preliminary character. They suggest only a moderate confirmation of the NHE. At least, some evidence is provided for the opportunity cost hypothesis. The higher woman's educational level the higher her job related opportunity costs which finally decrease the likelihood of the first birth. No evidence is found with respect to the income hypothesis as man's positive educational effect on family formation seems not to be mediated by the direct child-related costs perceived by his female partner. Counterevidence is also related to the costs perceived by the male partner as they are not only independent of the educational level but also irrelevant in terms of family formation.