Migration and Marriage Timing in Nang Rong, Thailand

Sara Curran, University of Washington
Michelle L. O'Brien, University of Washington

Do differences in migration patterning and sequencing due to cohort effects impact the timing of marriage? We analyze data from the Nang Rong Project using a multi-state event history model to explore the relationship between birth cohort and the timing of first migration and marriage. We hypothesize that individuals in older cohorts that exhibit more selective migration will be more likely to migrate first, then marry in order to diversify resources. In contrast, individuals in younger cohorts with more widespread and infrequent migration, will migrate in order to become more marriageable upon their return.