Abstract

This study examines the marriage attitudes of university students by analyzing the role of gender, family structure, and cultural norms in shaping their perceptions of marriage and spouse selection preferences. While marriage attitudes among young adults have been widely studied, limited research has explored how spouse selection criteria and marital perceptions interact, particularly in transitional societies like Türkiye. This study addresses this gap by investigating how cultural and demographic factors influence marriage attitudes in a semi-traditional, semi-modernizing context. A prospective, cross-sectional study was conducted among senior undergraduate students (N=723) at a public university in Türkiye. Participants completed structured surveys measuring sociodemographic characteristics, marriage attitudes (using the Inonu Marriage Attitude Scale-IMAS), and spouse selection preferences. Findings indicate that gender, religious compatibility, and attitudes toward cohabitation and divorce are significant determinants of marriage attitudes, whereas ethnic background and financial expectations play a negligible role. Male students and those who prioritize religious compatibility exhibit more traditional marriage perspectives, while female students and those supporting divorce and cohabitation report less favorable attitudes toward marriage. Personality, affection/love, and family harmony are the most prioritized spouse selection criteria, while political views are the least influential. This study highlights the complex interplay of sociodemographic factors, cultural values, and personal beliefs in shaping marriage attitudes among university students. The findings contribute to marriage and family research by offering empirical insights from a semi-traditional, semi-modernizing society where Western influences and traditional norms intersect. Future research should explore the long-term implications of these evolving attitudes on marriage formation and family dynamics.

Key words: Attitude, cultural characteristics, gender roles, marriage, students