Gender Differences in Union Formation in Mexico: Evidence From Marital Search Models

Authors: Parrado E.A.¹; Zenteno R.M.²

Source: Journal of Marriage and Family, Volume 64, Number 3, August 2002 , pp. 756-773(18)

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Abstract:

Although increasingly appreciated for their explanatory power in developed societies, marital search models have yet to be widely applied to developing nations. This article evaluates the applicability of marital search models to marriage timing in Mexico. The analysis compares separate models of union formation for men and women that include individual and marriage market predictors. Results show that union formation is closely linked to the uncertainties surrounding the transition to adulthood and the availability of marriageable partners. Improvements in women's economic position do not diminish the attractiveness of marriage, as female independence arguments would suggest. Instead, they are a central force behind the stability of marriage behavior in Mexico. A central transformation identified in the analysis is the reduction in sex differences in age at marriage as women expand their education and labor force participation.

Keywords: gender; marital search; marriage markets; Mexico, union formation

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1741-3737.2002.00756.x

Affiliations: 1: Department of Sociology, Duke University, 277B Soc-Psych Bldg., Box 90088, Durham, NC 27708-0088 ( ), Email: eparrado@soc.duke.edu 2: Centro de Investigacion Demografica e Informacion Geografica, Av. General Ramon Corona No. 2514, ITESM—Campus Guadalajara, Colonia Nuevo Mexico, Zapopan, Jalisco 45140

Publication date: 2002-08-01