Seletividade marital por idade entre casais heterossexuais no Brasil

Abstract

The age difference between spouses has significant implications across various contexts, including marital union patterns, gender relations, marital stability, and family structures. In this context, this study investigates the socio-economic and demographic factors associated with age differences among heterosexual couples in Brazil. To achieve this, data from civil registries spanning from 1990 to 2019 and Demographic Censuses from 1991 to 2010 were utilized. Based on the age differences between spouses, couples were classified into homogamous, hypergamous, and hypogamous categories in terms of age. Homogamous couples are those with the same age, hypergamous when the man is older than the partner, and hypogamous when the woman is older than the partner.The likelihood of men and women being in a heterogamous relationship (hypogamous/hypergamous) compared to a homogamous one was analyzed, considering factors such as age, migration status, education level, residence situation, type of union, race/ethnicity, per capita GDP, and microregion urbanization rate. Among the main findings, there's a decrease in the proportion of couples where the man is older, accompanied by an increase in couples where the woman is older, regardless of marital status. There was also a growth in homogamy and hypogamy among couples where both spouses are unmarried. The postponement of marriages was identified as a factor contributing to changes in age difference patterns. Hypogamy was more common in consensual unions.When analyzing the variation of homogamous, hypergamous, and hypogamous couples among microregions, a positive association was observed between an increase in the average age at marriage for women and a high proportion of females above 25 years with a college education, indicating a prevalence of hypogamous couples. Other results associated with indicators of female autonomy and socio-economic aspects suggest that the formation of hypogamous couples is not necessarily tied to economically developed regions. The formation of homogamous couples was negatively associated with a high percentage of men and migrants in the population, while per capita GDP showed a positive correlation in this formation. Hypergamous couples showed a positive association with a higher proportion of men in the population and a high migrant percentage. Regarding economic aspects, a negative relationship was observed with per capita GDP and urbanization rate.Considering the socio-demographic characteristics of spouses, the results indicate that men and women with completed higher education are less likely to be hypogamous or hypergamous compared to homogamous couples. Migrant women are more likely to be in a relationship with a younger man, while migrant men are more likely to be involved with both older and younger women, compared to those of the same age. In conclusion, this study underscores the importance of understanding the factors influencing age difference patterns among couples in Brazil, contributing to the study of marital union patterns concerning age and their social and demographic implications.