Assortative Mating: A Review

Abstract

The first part examines the amount and kind of assortative mating that occurs. It examines the genetic implications of any deviation from random mating, then addresses the offspring's impacts of consanguinity or inbreeding. To summarize, these impacts are usually negative, indicating that a high degree of resemblance between spouses is not preferred for genetic reasons. In terms of ideas and studies linked to mate choosing and marital adjustment, the following part addresses the societal implications of marital choice. We may outline two competing perspectives of what makes for a successful marriage at this point:  psychological similarity and complementarity of husband and wife's wants. We'll find that the majority of the data favors the first viewpoint, therefore we may conclude that resemblance between spouses is preferred for social reasons. Another point raised was whether marriage results in a gradual rise in resemblance, or, in genetic words, a partial convergence of phenotypes, which may lead to an overestimation of genotypic similarity. The idea that homogamy for socioeconomic position is to blame for the apparent connections between skills and attractiveness and brains is next addressed. The last part highlights some studies on the variables that influence personal preferences for personality and physical type, which determine prospective mate selection.