Changes in marriage patterns in the Spanish province of Navarre from the eighteenth to the twentieth century

Abstract

This article examines developments in marriage patterns in the Spanish province of Navarre over the last 300 years. The data from Navarrese villages show that the age of both men and women on their first marriage was well past the onset of sexual maturity. However, major differences were noted between the marriage patterns in the different villages. It was also noteworthy that the increasing intensity in marriage patterns observed in other European countries from the late nineteenth century onwards is not reflected in the case of Spain. Spain, and particularly rural Navarre, saw an uninterrupted decline in I′_m values from the late-eighteenth to the mid-twentieth century. The possible influence of migratory movements on the I′_m values in rural Navarre is analysed. Findings are also reported concerning the age difference between partners offer the last three centuries.