Changing Pattern of Mate Selection

Abstract

Since the 1960's the Japanese marriage system has been showing a continuous shift from the traditional arranged marriage to the love match system. Consequently, much attention has come to be given to an analysis of the heterosexual relationships of young couples prior to their marriage. The answer to a questionnaire circulated among 101 engaged couples, approximately two months prior to their weddings, were the basis of this study. The aim was to analyze the changing pattern of the mate selection process in recent Japan by dividing these couples into two groups: those with an arranged marriage and those marrying by a love match. In the arranged marriage group the couples spent a relatively short period between the initial meeting and the marriage, as short as one-half of the love match counterparts. Across these different marriage practices, it was observed that the mates maintain a relatively longer interaction period after courtship than prior to the announcement of the formal commitment. In addition, Japanese young men and women have a tendency to establish a private understanding of a permanent commitment to the partner at an early stage of their dating practices. The area of the mate selection process in Japan has been somewhat neglected. Much further study is needed for a proper analysis of the subject.