Job-related migration decisions within partnerships : an experimental test of bargaining theory, frame-selection and low-cost-thesis

Abstract

"Household moves due to career options form an adequate research area to test different theory-based propositions within sociology of the family. Using an experimental design, the analysis focuses on the empirical validity of hypotheses from the new home economics, bargaining theory and approaches stressing the relevance of gender roles. Particularly, for the first time the idea that gender roles determine decisions only in low cost situations is tested against the assumption of more general relevance of gender roles deducted from models of frame selection. Data were gathered with a factorial survey module integrated into the fifth wave of PASS (Panel 'Arbeitsmarkt und soziale Sicherung', 2011). Nearly 1,000 respondents living with partners evaluated more than 4,500 incentives for career oriented household moves. Within the fictive job descriptions, the common gain of the household was varied independently from individual career options and, thus, independently from the changes of threat points in the bargaining situation. This allows a direct examination of the dilemma-situation bargaining theory supposes. In general, hypotheses from bargaining theory are supported. Gender role attitudes have a weak impact only -- and only given low costs for the household. There is no evidence for an unconditional orientation towards gender roles as they can be expected from models of frame selection." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Cite article

Auspurg, K., Frodermann, C. & Hinz, T. (2014): Berufliche Umzugsentscheidungen in Partnerschaften. Eine experimentelle Prüfung von Verhandlungstheorie, Frame-Selektion und Low-Cost-These. In: Kölner Zeitschrift für Soziologie und Sozialpsychologie, Vol. 66, No. 1, p. 21-50. DOI:10.1007/s11577-013-0244-3