Nuptiality Transition and Marriage Squeeze in Lebanon - Consequences of Sixteen Years of Civil War

Prem C. Saxena, American University of Beirut
Andrzej Kulczycki, University of Alabama at Birmingham
Rozzet Jurdi, American University of Beirut

This paper studies nuptiality trends and patterns in Lebanon using the 1996 Population and Housing Survey data. Its objectives are, firstly, to examine the percentage singles, and to analyze trends and differentials in mean age at first marriage (MAFM) of males and females at both national and governorate levels. Second, to estimate singulate mean age at marriage (SMAM) obtained from proportions singles for Lebanon and its governorates. Third, to discuss the shortcomings of the MAFM and SMAM to measure average ages at first marriage, and to suggest a new measure by combining both the estimates. Fourth, the paper explores whether the war had any significant impact on age at marriage and the marriage market in Lebanon. Mate availability ratios are analyzed at both national and governorate levels to answer this question. Finally, an attempt is made to explore the repercussions of females’ pursuit of higher education on their marriage prospects.