Cross-Cultural Patterns of Interracial Marriage

Tim B. Heaton, Brigham Young University
Cardell Jacobson, Brigham Young University

This paper compares patterns of interracial marriage in seven different cultural contexts. Four aspects of intermarriage are considered. First, log-linear models are as estimated to gage the extent of overall homogamy and race specific homogamy in each setting. Second, residuals from these models are used to assess gender differences in intermarriage. Multinomial logistic regression is then used to evaluate age and educational differences. Age is included as a surrogate for trends over time, and education is included as a measure of social status. Census data were obtained for each of the cultural contexts: namely, the U.S.A., Hawaii, Canada, New Zealand, South Aftica, Beijing Province and Xianjang Province. Data show wide variation in rates of endogamy. Age patterns suggest overall increases in out-marriage. Education tends to enhance the likelihood of out-marriage, especially among those in low status groups.