Ethnic intermarriage among immigrants in the Netherlands: An analysis of population data

Abstract

This study uses data on the entire population of the Netherlands to analyze ethnic endogamy among Wrst generation immigrants. First, it replicates patterns observed in earlier studies. Endogamy is higher in immigrant groups that are large, have a favorable sex ratio and that are more segregated spatially. At the individual level endogamy is higher among immigrants who do not speak the host language well, who have lower educational qualiWcations, and who are nonwhite. Second, it extends earlier theoretical work and shows the importance of immigrants' religious aYliation and the religious diversity of an immigrant group. Third, it examines the severity of some methodological problems of earlier studies on ethnic endogamy.

Introduction to research on immigrant and ethnic minority families in Europe

“…On the one hand, individual desires and preferences influence partner choice, and on the other hand the societal context also offers opportunities and constraints (Alba and Nee 1997;Kalmijn 1998). The latter normally include factors such as the size of immigrant group, sex ratio, geographical location and concentration, and discrimination against ethnic minorities or the lack of it (Hamel et al 2013;Kalmijn and Van Tubergen 2006;Safi and Rogers 2008;Van Tubergen and Maas 2007). Similarly, individual preferences and contextual factors are used to explain divorce patterns.…”

Partner Choices of the Second Generation of Turkish and Former Yugoslav Origin in Switzerland: A Comparative Analysis

“…As such, religion may influence partner choices, either through the socialization process or through sanctions against exogamy. Religion might also influence partner preferences: people generally prefer to marry someone culturally similar (Kalmijn 1998) and religion is a core element of culture, since it is associated with cultural values, beliefs, and practices (Van Tubergen and Maas 2007).…”

“…Is the degree of religious and educational homogamy different in endogamous than in exogamous couples, and in transnational endogamous couples compared to local endogamous ones in the two origin groups under study? It is of particular interest to examine religious versus ethnic boundaries, both of which were proven to play a role in the partner choices of children of immigrants (Kalmijn 1998;van Tubergen and Maas 2007;Lucassen and Laarman 2009). Taking into account second generation's religion in the analysis of their marriages and contrasting it with national and ethnic origin is the true innovative contribution of this article to the literature.…”

The New Second Generation in Switzerland: Youth of Turkish and Former Yugoslav Descent in Zurich and Basel

“…In the sixties in France, religious homogamy was the rule (Girard 1964). Working today on intermarriage among first generation immigrants in the Netherlands, Van Tubergen and Maas (2007) found that religion plays an important role in ethnic endogamy both on the individual and contextual level. Immigrants affiliated to a religion differing from mainstream society are more likely to marry co-ethnics, as this leads to fewer opportunities to meet natives of a similar religion.…”