Individual Mate Choice in an Arranged Marriage Context: Evidence from the Standard Cross-cultural Sample

Evolutionary Psychological Science • Vol/Iss. 3(3) • Springer • • Published In • Pages: 193-200 •
By Apostolou, Menelaos

Abstract

Apostolou examines the argument that most of human evolution occurred in an environment where individuals had limited opportunity to exercise choice. This argument derives from evidence indicating that among contemporary and ancestral postindustrial societies, mate choice is regulated by parents choosing their children's spouses. Results from the present study show that in an arranged marriage setting, there is still space for individuals to exercise choice in mates (through premarital and extramarital relationships, as well as rape). Apostolou discusses possible explanations for these findings, as well as their evolutionary significance.

Note

Although specific hypotheses were not a part of the study (p.195), general hypotheses were described and clearly examined.

Samples

Sample Used Coded Data Comment
Standard Cross Cultural Sample (SCCS)

Hypotheses (8)

HypothesisSupported
Subsistence type and marriage type will affect the frequency of premarital relations; this relationship will differ between societies where arranged marriages are prevalent and societies where it is not (p.195).Partial
Subsistence type and marriage type will affect the frequency of men's premarital relations; this relationship will differ between societies where arranged marriages are prevalent and societies where it is not (p.195)."Partial
Subsistence type and marriage type will affect the attitude towards women's premarital relationships; this relationship will differ between societies where arranged marriages are prevalent and societies where it is not (p.195-6)."Partial
Subsistence type and marriage type will affect the double standard with regard to premarital sex; this relationship will differ between societies where arranged marriages are prevalent and societies where it is not (p.195)."Partial
Subsistence type and marriage type will affect the prevalence of extramarital relationships for married men and women; this relationship will differ between societies where arranged marriages are prevalent and societies where it is not (p.197)."Not Supported
Subsistence type and marriage type will affect the double standard with regard to extramarital sex; this relationship will differ between societies where arranged marriages are prevalent and societies where it is not (p.195)."Partial
Subsistence type and marriage type will affect the prevalence rate for rape; this relationship will differ between societies where arranged marriages are prevalent and societies where it is not (p.195)."Partial
Subsistence type and marriage type will affect attitudes towards rape; this relationship will differ between societies where arranged marriages are prevalent and societies where it is not (p.195)."Partial
Documents and Hypotheses Filed By: emily.pitek  milagro.escobar