Pakistan: Single women disrupt marriage market dynamics

Why are countless educated Pakistani women single? Gary Becker’s economic theory of marriage can provide an answer. A Nobel laureate, Becker revolutionised family dynamics by applying economic principles to marriage with the introduction of a marriage market so that people could make rational choices to maximise utility. According to his theory, individuals enter the marriage market seeking to maximise personal benefits, such as financial stability, companionship, and child-rearing potential. They weigh the costs and benefits of marriage and choose to marry if the pros overshadow the cons.

In Pakistan, the ideal woman is expected to be young, educated and earning. But not more than the man. This archetype, often referred to as “doctor bahu”, is a disproportionate ambition. She is presented to potential suitors in the usual “tea trolley parade”. Applying Becker’s theory here, the woman stands to benefit economically from marriage if her partner is financially stable and willing to support family life. From the stereotypical man’s perspective, marriage offers gains through comparative advantage, where he excels in the labour market and she excels in household management. In this set-up, marriage becomes a rational choice for both; each side gains from the arrangement, creating a mutually beneficial economic transaction.

But what about independent...

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