men's labour supply and earnings and decreases those of women's. The impact of the marriage-like regime is stronger …, especially for women. We find that the effect is significantly stronger for couples directly eligible at the time of the reform … separation by increasing women's dependence on their partner. …

Payments at the time of marriage, which are ubiquitous in developing countries, can be substantial enough to impoverish … parents. Brideprice and dowry have both been linked to domestic violence against women, and inflation in these payments has … prompted legislation against them in several jurisdictions. Marriage payments are often a substitute for investment in female …