Why pool resources in marriage? A study on the choice of matrimonial property regime in Italy

This paper investigates the pooling of resources among spouses using data collected in the Italian Marriage Register. The study of matrimonial property regime sheds light on whether resource pooling in the form of the shared ownership of property or assets accumulated during marriage is more likely to be chosen when there is a disparity between spouses economic potential. Results support the hypothesis that the community of property is more likely to be chosen among couples who are different in education, employment status, age, or when one of the spouses is of foreign nationality. However, our results suggest the existence of a gender double-standard: the community of property is more likely when the weaker spouse is the woman, whereas the separation of property is more likely if the weaker spouse is male