Freakonomics Radio 511. Why Did You Marry That Person?
22 snips
Jul 21, 2022 
Mark Gogné, an economist focused on marriage markets, and Helen Fisher, a biological anthropologist, dive into the intriguing concept of assortative mating. They discuss how economic and social factors influence who we marry, drawing evidence from popular culture like 'Bridgerton' and modern dating apps like Tinder. The conversation highlights the effects of these trends on wealth inequality and social dynamics, illuminating how our romantic choices mirror historical practices and current societal structures. Love may be in the air, but economics plays a powerful role!
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Marriage Benefits
- Marriage correlates with positive life outcomes, including health, wealth, and children's well-being.
- Causality is complex; those already thriving might find partners more easily.
Marriage Market
- Economists view marriage as a market where singles search for partners within a limited pool.
- Unlike typical markets, prices (dowries) aren't always present, especially in high-income countries.
Education and Marriage
- Attending elite colleges decreases women's likelihood of marrying in their late 30s, but their eventual spouses tend to be more educated.
- This is an example of assortative mating, where individuals pair with similar others.
