WOMENS STATURE AND MARRIAGE MARKETS IN PREINDUSTRIAL BAVARIA

The authors investigate marital patterns among Bavarian women born 181 9 to 1886. In particular; Becker's hypothesis concerning heights and p robability of marriage, namely, that likes tend to marry likes, is con sidered. The authors find to the contrary that the shortest women were at a distinct disadvantage in the marriage marker. Other characterist ics that lowered the probability of ever marrying included birth in no rthern Bavaria, lower class status, and illegitimate birth. It is conc luded that the height-marital status relationship sheds light on the w age premium paid to married workers: The premium probably reflects gre ater productivity that (I) existed prior to marriage and (2) increased the likelihood of marriage.