Hypergamy Tendencies in Mate Selection: An Outdated Norm or A Persisting Dynamic in Today’s Turkish Marriage Market?

This study investigates the continued relevance of hypergamy—women’s inclination to seek partners with higher socio-economic standing—in spite of contemporary shifts in gender norms, labor participation, and family structures. Based on survey data from 740 university students in Sakarya University, the research examines how expectations concerning income, property ownership, career prestige, and cultural adequacy differ by gender and shape partner preferences. The results reveal perceived gendered patterns: women are significantly more likely than men to prioritize financial security, cultural refinement, and professional success in prospective partners. These preferences suggest that marriage is still perceived as a pathway to upward social mobility, particularly among women. The study interprets these findings through the lens of social structures that value different forms of capital—economic, cultural, and symbolic—within the marriage market. These forms of capital not only influence desirability but also serve as tools for negotiating better life opportunities through romantic unions. Rather than viewing hypergamy as an outdated remnant, the study frames it as a pragmatic response to the demands of modern life, where socio-economic pressures and gendered expectations persist despite formal strides toward equality. By situating these dynamics within Turkish context balancing traditional values and modern aspirations, the article highlights how partner selection continues to reflect deeper social hierarchies and structural constraints in family formation.