The data we report upon this paper-micro survey data from married female respondents in the Union Territory of Pondicherry-show that better socio-economic status of women is associated with a smaller age gap between the spouses. Female age at marriage, female educational level, women's occupatioal status and husband's educational level were found to be the principal determinants in that order. The first of these (female age at marriage) was a proximate determinant; it increased due to the effect of socio-economic variables, especially wife's education, wife's occupation and husband's education. Improvements in the socio-economic and demographic status of women are expected to narrow down the age gap, but not to completely eliminate it. Even in the European countries such a gap exists, tough in a smaller range.
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