When Birds of Different Feathers Flock Together: A Preliminary Comparison of Intra-Ethnic and Inter-Ethnic Dating Relationships

Abstract

In light of an increasing ethnic diversity in the US, we sought to investigate how and whether cultural variables impact the quality of dating relationships by comparing couples from either the same or a different ethnic group. In a small sample of young dating couples, we examined motives for initiating their relationships, relationship satisfaction, self-esteem, and various structural variables, including degree of prejudice. Results revealed that same-ethnic and inter-ethnic couple members entered relationships for similar reasons, and reported similar levels of relationship satisfaction. Those in interethnic relationships were somewhat lower in self-esteem than those in same-ethnic relationships. Relative to persons dating within their ethnic group, those dating outside their ethnic group reported less identification with members of their own ethnicity, greater availability of potential dating partners outside their ethnic group, less societal approval of their current relationships, and greater preference for contact with people outside their ethnic group.