Page 27 - IJPS-11-3

International Journal of
Population Studies Nuptiality patterns among Ethiopian women

influenced marriage dynamics at age 20 in Ethiopia. These substantial role in limiting the incidence of marriage in the
factors contributed to the widening gap in the incidence former cohort compared to the more recent one (Table 5).
of marriage between the two birth cohorts rather than
reducing it. In the comprehensive decomposition analysis, 4. Discussion
women’s religious affiliation had a positive coefficient value This study aimed to compare the nuptiality patterns
of 0.017, due to its considerable contribution to the higher of selected cohorts of Ethiopian women. Further,
incidence of marriage in the earlier cohort and its decline components and sources of changes in nuptiality patterns
in significance in the later cohort. The difference effects among Ethiopian women were identified using the 2000
of community affluence (0.016) significantly contributed and 2016 EDHSs. A decomposition analysis framework
to the reduction in cumulative incidence of first marriage was employed to evaluate the cumulative incidence of
between the two cohorts. Wealthier communities in the transition to first marriage and its components. The
more recent cohort tend to delay the marrying of their results of the study generally revealed that marriage is
daughters compared to wealthier communities in the nearly universal in both cohorts of women. However, the
earlier cohort. age of entry into the first marriage was slightly delayed
The higher significant coefficient value of the constant (beyond 20 years), and a 46% reduction in the degree
suggests that certain factors, which could further reduce of marital dissolution was noted. A large proportion of
the gap, were not included in the model at age 20. The the difference in cumulative incidence of first marriage
overall impact of unidentified variables contributing to the between the cohorts was observed at age 15 and below,
reduction in cumulative incidence of marriage at age 20 and this difference declined after age 35. Overall, this
was higher than that at age 15 (Table 4). study identified the factors contributing to changes in the
nuptiality patterns of Ethiopian women between the two
The decomposition analysis of the cumulative cohorts.
incidence of first marriage revealed a 5.1% reduction
between the two cohorts. Nearly one-fourth of this From a life-course perspective, researchers delve into
reduction (−0.014/−0.051 = 27.5%) was attributed to the intricate dynamics of how demographic events evolve
differences in characteristics between the two cohorts. over time, seeking to unravel the underlying factors
The remainder of the reduction (72.5%) resulted from driving these changes. They explore how historical
the effects of variables or coefficients effects. A detailed events, socioeconomic transformations, and individual
breakdown of the reduction in the aggregate incidence of agency intertwine to shape the trajectory of individuals’
first marriage at age 25 indicated that women’s education lives (Roy, 2014). The findings provide empirical evidence
level, region, and occupation significantly contributed to supporting the life-course perspective. Specifically, they
the reduction. demonstrate how ever-evolving social and economic
landscapes profoundly influence individuals’ choices
The inter-cohort gap in women’s education level regarding marriage patterns across different birth
contributed approximately 13.7% to the reduction in the cohorts. This study also highlights the complex interplay
cumulative incidence of first marriage. In addition, shifts in between broader societal changes and individual
women’s occupations and regional differences between the decision-making, shedding light on how individuals
two cohorts contributed equally (13.7%) to the reduction. navigate their lives in response to the opportunities
The number and concentration of first marriages across and constraints presented by their historical and
the two birth cohorts also varied by regional state, as socioeconomic contexts.
demonstrated by the differences in cumulative incidence at
the regional level (Table 5). 4.1. Socioeconomic factors
Regarding the differential effects of variables, region, Despite the slight difference in percentages, it is crucial
community education, and rural residence were significant to note that both cohorts exhibit a high prevalence
contributors. This suggests that the urban-rural gap in the of marriage. The fact that over 90% of individuals in
incidence of marriage was greater in the recent cohort both groups married before the age of 25 suggests that
compared to the earlier cohort. The differential effects of marriage remains a prevalent and customary practice
rural women (−0.088) played a significant role in reducing among these cohorts. In sub-Saharan Africa, marriage has
the cumulative incidence of marriage between the two traditionally occurred early and been commonplace, with
cohorts. For regional states, the positive coefficient effect the expectation that every adult female will marry at least
indicates that regional variability in the incidence of once during her reproductive career (Ayiga & Rampagane,
marriage was higher in the recent cohort than in the former 2013). Marriage has been an early and nearly universal
cohort. In contrast, community education played a more social institution in Ethiopia. By age 30, over 95% of

Volume 11 Issue 3 (2025) 21 https://doi.org/10.36922/ijps.3531