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Title: Marriage-Market Constraints and Mate-Selection Behavior: Racial, Ethnic, and Gender Differences in Intermarriage

Citation Type: Journal Article

Publication Year: 2017

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Abstract: Despite theoretical consensus that marriage markets constrain mate-selection behavior, few studies directly evaluate how local marriage-market conditions influence intermarriage patterns. Using data from the American Community Survey, the authors examine what aspects of marriage markets influence mate selection, assess whether the associations between marriage-market conditions and intermarriage are uniform by gender and across pan-ethnic groups, and investigate the extent to which marriage-market conditions account for group differences in intermarriage patterns. Relative group size is the most salient and consistent determinant of intermarriage patterns across pan-ethnic groups and by gender. Marriage-market constraints typically explain a larger share of pan-ethnic differences in intermarriage rates than individual traits, suggesting that scarcity of co-ethnic partners is a key reason behind decisions to intermarry. When faced with market constraints, men are more willing or more successful than women in crossing racial and ethnic boundaries in marriage.

Url: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jomf.12346/full

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Authors: Choi, Kate H; Tienda, Marta

Periodical (Full): Journal of Marriage and Family

Issue: 2

Volume: 79

Pages: 307-323

Data Collections: IPUMS USA

Topics: Family and Marriage, Gender, Race and Ethnicity

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