Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 11, 2026

Using the Race Model Inequality to Quantify Behavioral Multisensory Integration Effects
Published on: May 10, 2019
A comparative perspective on intermarriage: explaining differences among national-origin groups in the United States
Matthijs Kalmijn1, Frank van Tubergen
1Department of Sociology, Tilburg University, PO Box 90153, 5000 LE Tilburg, Netherlands. m.kalmijn@uvt.nl
This study examines ethnic intermarriage in the U.S., finding that cultural factors, like norms and preferences, significantly influence marriage choices more than structural opportunities. This supports theories of group boundaries in ethnic endogamy.
Area of Science:
- Sociology
- Demography
- Social Psychology
Background:
- Group-level theories of ethnic intermarriage lack empirical validation.
- Understanding ethnic group openness/closedness is crucial for social cohesion.
- Existing research often invokes theories without testing group-level determinants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test the validity of group-level theories explaining ethnic intermarriage patterns.
- To analyze the determinants of endogamy (in-group marriage) across diverse ethnic groups.
- To compare the relative importance of cultural versus structural factors in intermarriage.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of marriage choices for 94 national-origin groups in the U.S.
- Utilized pooled data from Current Population Surveys (1994-2006).
- Employed multilevel models incorporating individual and contextual factors.
Main Results:
- Significant variations in endogamy rates were observed across ethnic groups.
- Both structural and cultural group-level factors significantly impact endogamy.
- Cultural factors (norms, preferences) demonstrated a stronger effect than structural factors (opportunities).
Conclusions:
- Findings support the interpretation of endogamy as a reflection of group boundaries.
- Cultural norms and preferences are key drivers of ethnic intermarriage patterns.
- The study validates group-level theories in understanding ethnic group endogamy.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Close Relationships and Culture
Ethnic Identity within a Larger Culture
Surveys
Stereotypes, Prejudice, and Discrimination
Behavioral Genetics and Its Designs
The primary methodologies used in behavior genetics include family studies, twin studies, and adoption studies, each providing unique...
Cross-Sectional Research

