Partnership and education
Women with qualifications marry later
Percentage of women ever married by highest level of qualifications and age, 2001, Great Britain
The 2001 Census showed that at age 25 the lowest proportion of women who have ever married are those with high qualifications. Conversely women (and men) with no qualifications were relatively more likely to marry early (by age 25) but relatively unlikely to cohabit early.
Men and women aged 35 with no qualifications are less likely to have ever married than those with qualifications. At age 45, the individuals who are least likely to have ever married are men with no qualifications and women with qualifications at Level 4 or 5.
Percentage of women never married and currently cohabiting by highest level of qualifications and age, 2001, Great Britain
By age 45 relatively few people who have never married are cohabiting.
The figure above shows the proportion of women in the 2001 census who were cohabiting and who had never married by age and qualification. At ages 35 and 45 the highest qualified (Level 4/5) were most likely to be cohabiting. Those with no qualifications are least likely to be cohabiting, particularly at age 25.
Comparing the three ages, younger individuals were much more likely to have never married and be currently cohabiting. Furthermore, the cohabiting rate for 45-year-olds was still markedly lower than at younger ages, when viewed as a proportion of the never-married individuals of the relevant age.
Comparisons between generations using a cross-sectional study such as the census should be made with caution. It may be that variations between the results for people of different ages are because of generational differences.
Having no qualifications was markedly less common among the 25 and 35-year-olds than among the 45-year-olds. Conversely, having Level 4 or 5 qualifications was markedly more common among the 25-year-olds than among the 35- and 45-year-olds. As such, having no qualifications has become more distinctive and having Level 4 or 5 qualifications has become less distinctive, and this may have implications for the marital formation patterns corresponding to these categories.
Source: Census 2001, Office for National Statistics; Census 2001, General Register Office for Scotland
Notes The education levels are grouped as follows: • No qualifications: no academic or professional qualifications • Level 1: one or more O levels/CSEs/GCSEs (any grade); NVQ level 1; Foundation GNVQ; or equivalents • Level 2: five or more O levels; 5 or more CSEs (grade 1); five or more GCSEs (grade A – C); one or more A levels/AS levels; NVQ level 2; Intermediate GNVQ; or equivalents. • Level 3: two or more A levels; four or more AS levels; Higher School Certificate; NVQ level 3; Advanced GNVQ; or equivalents. • Level 4/5: First degree; Higher Degree; NVQ levels 4-5; HNC; HND; Qualified Teacher Status; Qualified Medical Doctor; Qualified Dentist; Qualified Nurse, Midwife, Health Visitor; or equivalents. • Other qualifications/level unknown: other qualifications (for example City and Guilds); other professional qualification
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