ABSTRACT
Union formation and marriage are not only important steps in the transition to adulthood, but also social institutions aiming at establishing alliances and ensuring group reproduction. It is therefore an established field of research in migration studies as an indicator of cultural change and possible convergence between groups of immigrant origin and the autochthonous population. Partner choice, specifically intermarriage, has been the traditional focus of migration research in this field as it signals a lessening of ‘social distance’ between a minority group and the majority (Alba & Nee 2003; Song 2009). The partner choice of youth with a migrant background reflects opportunities within society (determined by group size, sex ratio, composition of friendship circles, spatial segregation and social distance) and the influence of third parties, whether through socialisation or control of behaviour by sanction.
