Women's Stature and Marriage Markets in Preindustrial Bavaria

Abstract

The authors investigate marital patterns among Bavarian women born 1819 to 1886. In particular, Becker's hypothesis concerning heights and probability of marriage, namely, that likes tend to marry likes, is considered. The authors find to the contrary that the shortest women were at a distinct disadvantage in the marriage market. Other characteristics that lowered the probability of ever marrying included birth in northern Bavaria, lower class status, and illegitimate birth. It is concluded that the height-marital status relationship sheds light on the wage premium paid to married workers: The premium probably reflects greater productivity that (1) existed prior to marriage and (2) increased the likelihood of marriage.