An Economic Analysis of Intraclass Marriage

Abstract

This paper investigates mate selection behavior with respect to both class position and individuals characteristics in the marriage market. The theoretical prediction of model can suggest not only those ones that belong to upper and lower class will marry within own class but also they can form the interclass marriage. Accordingly, the hypothesis is that the persons in upper and lower classes marry within own class. Logit regressions show that the ratio of probability of intraclass to interclass marriage decreases as partners belong to upper and lower classes in Tehran. This result indicates that partners' differentiations measured by love and quality in family formation, are important determinants in mate selection rather than class position of individuals in a traditional society such as Tehran.

Attitudes Toward Love, Emotional Maturity, and Early Maladaptive Schemas as Predictors of Spouse Selection in People on the Verge of Marriage

“…The criteria for spouse selection can be either intrinsic (physical attractiveness) or extrinsic (being intelligent) (5). The theory of homogamy postulates that like attracts like, and every individual usually selects someone who is most similar to them concerning age, religion, nationality, and education (6,7). Some research has reported that despite changes in the rules for marriage with people of color over time, white women still tend to marry their peers (8,9).…”