Comparative Patterns of Interracial Marriage: Racial Tension and Temporal Change in
Immigrant Societies
Abstract
Using recent census data, we compare patterns of interracial marriage in six differen1t
contexts where immigration has played a central role in population composition. We
hypothesize that rates of intermarriage will be influenced by: (1) the history of inequality
and racial oppression, and cultural and linguisitic differences that arise from the form of
immigration, and (2) global trends promoting choice in formation of intimate
relationships and racial equality—we use age as a surrogate for trends. We first estimate
log-linear models to gauge the extent of overall homogamy and race specific homogamy
in each cultural setting. We then use multinomial logistic regression to evaluate age
differences. Cross-cultural differences in rates of intermarriage are substantial.
Intermarriage is quite common in societies where racial tensions associated with
immigration are less dramatic (Hawaii and New Zealand), almost non-existant among
some groups in societies where strong tension remains between immigrants and native
people (Xinjiang Province, China and South Africa), and intermediate in societies with a
moderate degree of tension (United States and Canada). Age is generally negatively
associated with intermarriage, with some interesting exceptions. Interracial marriage in
general is becoming more common in the arenas we examine.
2
Convention