Concerns about a lack of “marriageable” men for college-educated women are misplaced, according to a new study by Cornell researchers. While these women continue to marry at steady rates, noncollege women face declining marriage prospects due to the worsening economic conditions of noncollege men.
The study analyzed historical data and found that marriage rates for noncollege women have dropped significantly, while college women adapt by marrying financially stable noncollege men. Meanwhile, the average earnings of noncollege men have fallen, deepening disparities.
Researchers suggest focusing on improving opportunities for working-class men to stabilize marriage rates and economic well-being. Supporting noncollege men, they argue, could benefit not only their marriages but also their children’s futures.
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