The changing relationship between education and marriage in the United States, 1940-2000

J Fam Hist. 2011;36(4):483-503. doi: 10.1177/0363199011416760.

Abstract

In 1940, when gender specialization was high, there was a negative relationship between education and marriage for women. College-educated women were least likely to be currently married and most likely to be never married. Declines in specialization were accompanied by a transition in this relationship. By 2000, when gender specialization was low, there was a positive relationship between education and marriage for women. College-educated women were most likely to be currently married, in part because they were more likely to stay married or remarry after divorce or widowhood. This transition occurred earlier and more completely for black women than for white women. These changes suggest that the relationship between education and marriage is shaped in part by the gender-role context.

Publication types

  • Historical Article

MeSH terms

  • Cultural Characteristics / history
  • Cultural Diversity*
  • Education / economics
  • Education / history
  • Educational Status*
  • Family Characteristics / ethnology
  • Family Characteristics / history
  • Family* / ethnology
  • Family* / history
  • Family* / psychology
  • Gender Identity*
  • History, 20th Century
  • Marital Status* / ethnology
  • Marriage* / ethnology
  • Marriage* / history
  • Marriage* / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Marriage* / psychology
  • Race Relations / history
  • Race Relations / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Race Relations / psychology
  • United States / ethnology
  • Women* / education
  • Women* / history
  • Women* / psychology