Alas, For Women Of A Certain Age (Press, 21 January 1985)

A report from the "Economist" highlights a significant imbalance in the American marriage market that particularly disadvantages well-educated women over the age of 30. This observation has been recognised by women and has garnered the interest of researchers, including statisticians and sociologists, due to its implications for societal dynamics. A notable study by the office of population research at Princeton University, featured in "Money" magazine, attempts to quantify the availability of marriageable men and women through a new formula called the "availability ratio." This formula goes beyond mere numbers of single men and women, factoring in variables that affect individuals' choices, such as geographic location. The study examined 38 metropolitan areas in the United States, revealing that cities in the sunbelt, like San Diego and Houston, offer the best marriage prospects for women, with 75.1 and 73.5 eligible men per 100 eligible women, respectively. Conversely, Long Island presents the least favourable ratio, with only 49.2 men per 100 women. Demographic data indicate that while more boys than girls are born in the U.S., men generally have a lower life expectancy than women, contributing to the ratio imbalance as ages increase. Men are more susceptible to various health issues, accidental deaths, and suicide, significantly affecting the numbers of available men as women age. The report indicates that the sex ratios begin balanced in younger age brackets but increasingly favour women in older brackets, with about 32 per cent more women than men at age 70. Another factor complicating the marriage landscape is the differing age preferences for partners. Generally, men prefer to marry younger women, while women tend towards older men, leading to a competitive surplus of unmarried women as they age. For example, a 23-year-old woman in Minneapolis-St. Paul may have 121 eligible men to choose from, but by age 50, that figure drops to 35. Furthermore, the study highlights the extra challenges faced by well-educated women. They often seek partners with equal or superior educational qualifications, while men may marry less-educated women. This trend reportedly adds an additional 25 per cent disadvantage to the marriage prospects of mature, educated women. The analysis also attempts to account for the impacts of homosexuality on marriage availability, though it faces limitations. The study excludes men and women who are 45 and older and have never married from the pool. Additionally, while it suggests that there may be more homosexual men than women, it does not fully explore the societal shifts regarding homosexuality that could affect marriage dynamics or the concentration of homosexual individuals in certain cities. Despite the insightful data provided, the report acknowledges that certain assumptions, such as the visibility of homosexuality and the potential effects of changing societal norms, could skew perceptions and conclusions regarding the marriage market. In summary, the American marriage landscape presents distinct challenges, particularly for older, educated women, as they navigate demographic shifts and social expectations.

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