Educational Assortative Mating in Japan: Insights into Social Change and Stratification

This book investigates the causes and implications of changing spouse pairing patterns in Japan, comparing them to the USA and other low-fertility Western societies. It summarizes and updates research on educational assortative mating, examining the relationship between marriage behavior and social and economic stratification. The authors draw from survey and administrative data to explore a range of consequences, including income inequality, intergenerational transmission, marriage and fertility timing, lifelong singlehood, childlessness, and family roles. Japan is considered in comparative perspective to shed light on its unique characteristics and developments.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 124 pages
Publication date: 07 September 2021
Publisher: Springer Verlag, Singapore

This comprehensive book delves into the intricate dynamics of changing spouse pairing patterns in Japan, exploring their causes and potential implications. It also compares these patterns with those observed in the USA and other low-fertility Western societies, shedding light on similarities and differences. By summarizing and updating research on educational assortative mating in Japan, this book makes a valuable contribution to the field of demography of contemporary Japan. It provides an overview of the theoretical and empirical linkages between marriage behavior and processes of social and economic stratification, enriching the existing body of research on assortative mating and stratification.

The authors employ a diverse range of data sources, including survey and administrative data, to provide a comprehensive update and extension of previous research on "who marries whom" in Japan. These data sources enable a thorough examination of a wide range of consequences, encompassing income inequality, the intergenerational transmission of advantage and disadvantage, marriage and fertility timing, lifelong singlehood, childlessness, and the evolving roles of husbands and wives within the family.

Throughout the manuscript, Japan is placed in a comparative context by drawing upon the extensive literature on assortative mating from both the USA and international perspectives. This comparative analysis adds depth and richness to the discussion, allowing for a broader understanding of the social and cultural factors that shape spouse pairing patterns across different regions.

In conclusion, this book represents a significant milestone in the study of changing spouse pairing patterns in Japan and their broader societal implications. By providing a comprehensive analysis of the factors driving these patterns, as well as their consequences, it contributes to our understanding of the complex dynamics of marriage and family formation in contemporary Japan and offers valuable insights into the broader trends and patterns observed in low-fertility Western societies.

Weight: 232g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789811637124
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021