A THEORY OF SEX-DISCRIMINATION

In this paper we put forward a theory that explains the way in which s ocial attitudes towards sex discrimination in the labour market have e volved. We suggest that sex discrimination in the labour market can ge nerate both costs and benefits, and that a sizeable part of these cost s can be ameliorated through marriage. The fact that marriage is no lo nger a pervasive and stable institution has contributed to the awarene ss that sex discrimination in the labour market is a major social prob lem.