Historical trends in female nuptiality in Italy and analysis of possible underlying reasons

ABSTRACT Using a database of sociodemographic and economic variables for 16 Italian regions over a long period of time (from the late 19th century to the end of the 20th century), we analyze the historical evolution of female nuptiality. An econometric analysis (Panel Corrected Standard Errors) for the period 1900–1991 helps us to confirm the relationship established in some theories on marriage rates such as ‘the new home economics’ (life expectancy at birth, literacy rate, urban population, population working in the primary sector, and Gross Domestic Product per capita). Other variables proved not to be statistically significant (sex ratio in the group aged 15–49 years and male and female participation in the workforce).