Height, socioeconomic status and marriage in Italy around 1900

This study examines the role of height in the process of mate selection in two Italian populations at the turn of the twentieth century, Alghero, in the province of Sassari, and Treppo Carnico, in the province of Udine. Based on a linkage between military registers and marriage certificates, this study reveals a negative selection of short men on marriage and a differential effect of tallness by population in the process of mate choice. These findings emerge once SES is taken into account in the risk models of marriage.

►We explored the relationship between height and marriage in Italy around 1900. ► Height negatively affected the propensity of marriage for short men. ► Differentials in celibacy rates by SES may affect the role of height in marriage.