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Title: Impact of Changes in Marriage Law: Implications for Fertility and School Enrollment
Citation Type: Journal Article
Publication Year: 2015
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Abstract: Does the postponement of marriage affect fertility and investment in human capital? I study this question in the context of a 1957 amendment to the Mississippi marriage law that was aimed at delaying the age of marriage; changes included raising the minimum age for men and women, parental consent requirements, compulsory blood tests, and proof of age. Using a difference-indifferences design at the county level, I find that, overall, marriages per 1,000 in the population in Mississippi and its neighboring counties decreased by nearly 75 percent; the crude birth rate decreased between 2 and 6 percent; and school enrollment increased by 3 percent after the law was enacted (by 1960). An unintended consequence of the law change was that illegitimate births among young black mothers increased by 7 percent. I show that changes in labor market conditions during this period cannot explain the changes in marriages, births, and enrollment. I conclude that stricter marriage-related regulations that lead to a delay in marriage can postpone fertility and increase school enrollment.
Url: https://muse.jhu.edu/article/588634/summary
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Authors: Bharadwaj, Prashant
Periodical (Full): Journal of Human Resources
Issue: 3
Volume: 50
Pages: 614-654
Data Collections: IPUMS USA
Topics: Family and Marriage, Fertility and Mortality
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