Faculty Sponsor(s)
Jeffrey A. Summers
Location
Jereld R. Nicholson Library
Subject Area
Economics
Description
This study examines factors that explain the rising median age of women at first marriage from 1960 to 2011. We estimate the median age of women at first marriage as a function of women’s income relative to men’s, women’s education relative to men’s, and the percentage of the population living in urban areas. Increases in relative income and education are hypothesized to increase the opportunity cost women face when considering marriage. The percentage of the population living in urban areas represents the search cost of finding a potential partner. We find that relative income and the percentage of the population living in urban areas have affected marriage decisions.
Recommended Citation
Dixon, Bryanna and Grant, Kara, "Women's Postponement of Marriage" (2014). Linfield University Student Symposium: A Celebration of Scholarship and Creative Achievement. Event. Submission 14.
https://digitalcommons.linfield.edu/symposium/2014/all/14
Women's Postponement of Marriage
Jereld R. Nicholson Library
This study examines factors that explain the rising median age of women at first marriage from 1960 to 2011. We estimate the median age of women at first marriage as a function of women’s income relative to men’s, women’s education relative to men’s, and the percentage of the population living in urban areas. Increases in relative income and education are hypothesized to increase the opportunity cost women face when considering marriage. The percentage of the population living in urban areas represents the search cost of finding a potential partner. We find that relative income and the percentage of the population living in urban areas have affected marriage decisions.
