Pool of Eligibles

Abstract

Within the field of demography and population studies, the pool of eligibles is the pool of potential mates in a given population who share similar characteristics, especially race/ethnicity, social class, and educational level. Other characteristics, such as religion and age grouping, play a role. The pool of potential mates is a critical factor in the mate selection process and has implications for many social and demographic factors such as fertility, poverty, and family formation.