A Sequential Explanatory Study on Preference for Homogamy in Long-term Relationships among Young Filipino Adults

Abstract

Partner selection patterns can predict how societies change. Previous cross-cultural analyses found that partner selection is not random but a meticulous process, influenced by a marriage market. Heterogamous patterns prevail in more open societies because of their liberalist, individualistic ideals and opportunity for diverse interactions, while homogamous patterns are more prevalent in traditional societies because of importance held for preserving culture. Partner selection studies have been done across cultures but is lacking and outdated in the Philippines. This study aims to describe the homogamy phenomenon in long-term partner preference among young adult Filipinos, so that dynamics of Philippine society through partner selection patterns can be understood in a more up-to-date context. Sequential explanatory design was used in the collection and analysis of data. For the quantitative phase, 560 respondents were acquired online via convenience-snowball sampling. Descriptive percentage analyses were used to measure homogamy preference scores in three characteristic domains: sociodemographic, physical, and psychological. Per-item and per-domain analyses reveal the presence of homogamy in educational attainment, religious belief, height, body build, values, interests, and cognitive ability. The highest scores were in the psychological domain. Independent t-tests revealed significant differences in mean homogamy preference scores between sexes in terms of sociodemographic and psychological characteristics. One-way ANOVA reveal no significant differences in mean homogamy preference among age groups. These quantitative results were used to supplement qualitative data collection. A total of 11 participants were recruited through purposive sampling. Manual thematic analysis revealed three themes: (1) common characteristics searched for by young Filipino adults, (2) similarity versus complementarity, (3) societal implications in the Philippines. Participants preferred someone with good cognition, open-mindedness, altruism, ambition, maturity. Educational homogamy was found to be most prevalent. Rather than similarity, openness to each other’s differences is more important for participants. Results reveal that the Philippines is moving towards heterogamy.