Age differences between spouses in first marriages

Absract

Vital statistics data indicate that the age difference between spouses in first marriages has narrowed for those born between 1931 and 1951 and married by age 25. It appears that the largest declines have occurred at the older ages of marriage, although there have been reductions at all ages. The possibility that the narrowing of the age gap can be attributed to the recent “marriage squeeze” is examined using data from the 1976 National Survey of Family Growth. Insofar as it is adequately measured, the squeeze is found to be insignificant. It seems that age at marriage of the wife is inversely related to a couple's age difference. That this might simply be due to the age distribution of available men is considered and rejected. It is speculated that the relation between age difference and age at marriage is a consequence of changing preferences, not of the supposed shortage of suitable single men.