The "real" marriage squeeze: mate selection, mortality, and the mating gradient

The nature and magnitude of the marriage squeeze in Canada is examined using vital statistics and census data. "Age differentials of brides and grooms in all marriages registered in 1981 are used to create 'availability indices' that estimate the number of unmarried persons of the opposite sex that are potentially available for every 100 unmarried persons. For men, availability indices are low in the 20s, and they increase with advancing age to about one-to-one in the 50s. For women, access to potential grooms is highest in the 20s and decreases with advancing age until, in the 50s, there are only 50 potential grooms per 100 unmarried women." The implications of unbalanced sex ratios are discussed with reference to changes in marriage and the family.