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The Influence of Economic Factors on First Marriages in Historical Europe and Asia

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Author

Editor

  • Lundh Christer
  • Kurosu Satomi

Summary, in English

This chapter examines the role of economic factors in first marriage in seven locations in pre-industrial Europe and Asia using a two-generation theory, which also takes socioeconomic class into account. In these settings, the household provided a major welfare function for its members. Access to land was of considerable importance, but so was the prevalent family system – whether a married couple formed a new household or joined an existing one. Whether a new couple only set up a consumption unit or whether they started a production unit was of importance as well. There were however, gender dimensions to this pattern. Likewise, there were gender dimensions when it comes to the competition between siblings, more so among the well-off groups. Obviously, differences in family systems, dowry, and bride price played an important role. Overall parental wealth was more important than adolescent savings in these societies.

Publishing year

2014

Language

English

Pages

121-168

Publication/Series

Similarity in Difference. Marriage in Europe and Asia, 1700-1900

Document type

Book chapter

Publisher

MIT Press

Topic

  • Economics and Business
  • History

Keywords

  • demography
  • longitudunal
  • individuallevel
  • Malthus
  • economic factors
  • Marriages

Status

Published

ISBN/ISSN/Other

  • ISBN: 978-0-262-02794-6