Within-Cultural and Inter-Cultural Interpersonal Attraction

The chapter introduces the social-psychological phenomena of in-group versus out-group identification. The author shows how in-group positive biases and out-group negative biases contribute to preferences for within-cultural interpersonal attraction over inter-cultural attraction. These social-psychological mechanisms explain the traditions of assortative mating. Further in the chapter, the author explains what impact social and cultural stereotypes have on within-cultural preferences in interpersonal attraction over intercultural romantic attraction. The following section provides an overview of status exchange and opportunity theories of intercultural mating attraction. Studies explain when and how interpersonal attraction between partners in intercultural relationships can work. This chapter presents the psychological possibilities of intercultural mating and interpersonal attraction in certain social contexts, such as cultural mixing. Modern online-mediated cultures have significantly transformed interpersonal attraction. The cultural evolution of virtual dating has been controversial in several ways, presenting both benefits and pitfalls. Online dating crosses intercultural boundaries and increases the number of interpersonal attractions and marriages between individuals from different social groups.