Customs Associated with Premarital Sexual Freedom in 143 Societies

Bibliographic Data

ID24315124
AuthorsHerbert Barry (Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, at the University of Pittsburgh)
Year2007
Volume41
Issue3
Pages261-272
Publication date2007-08-01
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueCross-Cultural Research (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1069-3971 • E-ISSN: 1552-3578
PublisherSAGE Publications (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/1069397107301977
OpenAlexW1935786506
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited21

In a world sample of 143 diverse societies, partial correlations and a multiple regression demonstrated that seven customs each had an independently statistically significant association with a high degree of premarital sexual freedom. Three customs, which support independence of marital couples, are minimal government hierarchy, no payment at marriage, and pigs are the largest domesticated animals. Four customs, which support community cooperation, are ceremonial praying, matrilineal kinship, exogamous marriage, and a high degree of community integration. Within the past century, premarital sexual intercourse has become more permitted in many industrialized nations. This change may be partly attributable to more independence of marital couples and cooperation in more widespread communities.

community collaboration · cross-cultural comparison · domestic animals · exogamous marriage · marriage customs · marriage payments · matrilineal kinship · social reintegration · Cultural Differences and Values · Evolutionary Psychology and Human Behavior · Marriage and Sexual Relationships