A Factorial Survey Analysis of Decisions on Regional Moves within Dual-Earner

This paper focuses on the problems faced by dual-career partnerships arising from the regional coordination of both partners ’ employment careers. Although it is well known that couples are less mobile than singles, we do not know whether this is due to homogenous preferences within couples or to a process of balancing conflicting interests. Consequently, we analyze the influences on potential conflicts caused by work-related migration incentives. Hypotheses derived from bargaining theory are tested using quasi-experimental data from a factorial survey of 280 couples. Our results support the bargaining approach and confirm that the potential for conflict is driven by asymmetrical shifts in bargaining power. There is only weak evidence for gender-related patterns.