Cross-cultural differences in people’s ideals and expectations of mating, marriage, and the family

Although there are some universal features of human mate selection and pair-bonding processes across the world, there are also many cross-cultural differences with respect to romantic ideals, marital expectations, and family responsibilities, especially for males and females in Eastern versus Western cultures. Critically discuss the research on these cross-cultural differences, and consider the implications for young people who may be ‘caught’ between two cultures (e.g., the sons and daughters of immigrant parents who are adjusting to different dating ‘rules’ and norms). Can these differences be overcome, and if so, how? Starter references: Bejanyan, K., Marshall, T., & Ferenczi, N. (2014). Romantic ideals, mate preferences, and anticipation of future difficulties in marital life: A comparative study of young adults in India and America. Frontiers in Psychology, https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2014.01355 Lam, B., Cross, S., Wu, T-F., Yeh, K-H., Wang, Yi-Chao, & Su, W. (2016). What do you want in a marriage? Examining marriage ideals in Taiwan and the United States. Personality & Social Psychology Bulletin, 42, 703-722. Wu, T-F., Cross, S., Wu, C-W., Cho, W., & Tey, S-H. (2016). Choosing your mother or your spouse: Close relationship dilemmas in Taiwan and the United States. Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology 47, 558–580