Title: An event history analysis of the process of entry into first marriage.
Abstract: This paper 1) demonstrates the use of the log-logistic waiting time model for the transition to marriage and 2) attempts to understand the dramatic change in the marriage process which has taken place in Norway during the lifetime of the 3 cohorts studied. The log-logistic waiting time model was proposed as appropriate for the marriage transition it permits the hazard rate to vary non-monotonically with age. Results show a consistent negative effect of farm background on the rate of marriage for men from all 3 cohorts but only small and inconsistent effects of other characteristics of family background. Contrary to US mens marriage patterns educational attainment had no effect on the rate of marriage for Norwegian men; the only exception was that men from the youngest cohort who obtained additional schooling after age 18 tended to marry somewhat later than other men. The many men who married because their fiancee was pregnant married much earlier than other men about 3 years earlier. The model assumes that the variable premarital pregnancy is an indicator of unmeasured individual differences in the propensity to marry. The model shows positive age effects for all 3 cohorts meaning that the estimated hazard varies non-monotonically with age. The most important source of change was the shift in the age grading of the marriage transition. The changes in the age schedule of marriage rates resulted in a much faster transition to marriage for the 2 cohorts born in 1931 and 1941. World War II may have delayed marriage rates for men born in 1921. Also vast improvements in economic conditions occurred between the time the 1921 cohort began looking for a mate and the time the 2 younger cohorts thought themselves ready for family life.
Publication Year: 1986
Publication Date: 1986-01-01
Language: en
Type: article
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Cited By Count: 8
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