But beginning in the mid-20th century, as more women started to attend college, marriages seemed to move in a more egalitarian direction, at least in one respect: A greater number of men and women started partnering up with their educational equals. That trend, however, appears to have stalled and even reversed in recent years. Gaps in educational experience among heterosexual couples are growing again. And this time? It’s women who are “marrying down.”

Researchers debate whether marriage between educational equals—homogamy—is on the decline. But one thing is clear: The phenomenon of women marrying men with less education than themselves, what academics call “hypogamy,” is on the rise. In fact, women are now more likely to marry a less-educated man than men are to marry a less-educated woman.

For all that remains unknown about the dynamics of hypogamous relationships, a growing body of research suggests that women are indeed marrying less-educated men simply because that’s who is available—not necessarily because of changing preferences.

Anonymous wrote:Women tend be more judgmental toward lower educated people (men and other women) compared to men. A college education doesn't make you educated. Simply because you have a bachelor's in something doesn't mean you are actually educated.

I have a bachelor's degree in mathematics. It took 2.5 years to graduate because I completed many college math courses while still in high school. I have noticed once women know that I graduated with a math degree somehow they put me on this pedestal of "smart" people. I am not smart, I just took the easy route by focusing on something I am good at.

We recently had our windows replaced and I was so impressed with the work of the carpenter . Ironically on paper at least a woman is more likely to "pick" me over the carpenter simply because have a "college education". That carpenter that she overlooked because he is not "educated" is probably going to be a better husband than me.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Women tend be more judgmental toward lower educated people (men and other women) compared to men. A college education doesn't make you educated. Simply because you have a bachelor's in something doesn't mean you are actually educated.

I have a bachelor's degree in mathematics. It took 2.5 years to graduate because I completed many college math courses while still in high school. I have noticed once women know that I graduated with a math degree somehow they put me on this pedestal of "smart" people. I am not smart, I just took the easy route by focusing on something I am good at.

We recently had our windows replaced and I was so impressed with the work of the carpenter . Ironically on paper at least a woman is more likely to "pick" me over the carpenter simply because have a "college education". That carpenter that she overlooked because he is not "educated" is probably going to be a better husband than me.

I don't want to speak for women because I am a man. But my guess is that women prefer men who are equal to them or higher financially because women naturally worry more about the future than men. A woman who doesn't have a child probably already has a plan in her mind about the life she would want her child to have. And women always want the best for their children. For this to happen they can't get with someone who doesn't have the potential to be an equal financial partner.

And my advice to men don'tarry a woman who isn't going to be an equal financial partner because of the marriage fails you won't be on the hook for alimony/child support.