MAG 2026-1. Authors: Deni Mazrekaj (Universiteit Utrecht – Faculteit der Sociale Wetenschappen), Silvia Palmaccio (Bocconi University).
This project examines whether individuals in same-sex relationships differ from individuals in different-sex relationships in receiving wealth transfers from their family members in the Netherlands. Wealth transfers are a key driver of economic inequality across generations as they shape individuals’ economic opportunities and long-term wealth accumulation. While previous research shows that lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals often face disadvantages in various aspects of their well-being, little is known about whether they also differ in access to family wealth. Using administrative data from the Netherlands, this project will provide the first population-level evidence on how wealth patterns vary by sexual orientation. Specifically, we compare individuals in same-sex and different-sex relationships on inheritances (transfers after death) and inter-vivos transfers (gifts during life). Our results will generate new insights into how wealth transfers may reinforce or reduce inequalities related to sexual orientation, informing policymakers about how individuals in same-sex relationships fare in a relatively tolerant context toward gender and sexual minorities.
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