Hong Kong Institute for the Humanities and Social Sciences, The University of Hong Kong

This study explores marriage dynamics in Qing-era China (1614-1854) using a unique nationwide dataset derived from civil examination records. The findings indicate an increase in female bargaining power and a pattern of women ”marrying up” due to an unbalanced sex ratio driven by son preference, discouraged remarriage, and the prevalence of concubinage. The research quantitatively demonstrates a high level of assortative mating in Chinese marriages, highlighting a strong correlation between the social standings of fathers and fathers-in-law, and emphasizing the role of marriage in transmitting intergenerational advantages. The study underscores marriage as a crucial mechanism for elite perpetuation, particularly in mitigating the risks of downward mobility. Significant associations are identified between the social standings of the father-in-law, groom, and subsequent generations, emphasizing the importance of parentally arranged marriages and maternal support in lineage continuity.