An Assessment of Several Marriage Market Related Explanations for the Decline in Female Marriage Rates Between 1970 and 1980

Abstract

This examination of the role of how marriage market conditions affected the decline in 1970-80 female marriage rates documents the importance of changes in mate availability and quality. Much of the decrease in marriage rates among White females ages 18 to 30 remains unexplained. Increases in school enrollment and deterioration of marriage market conditions were important in accounting for the decline in marriage rates among Black females ages 18 to 30.