Abstract:
Mate selection is a sine qua non for marriage. Generally, studies on mate
selection have focused on attributes that individual’s desire in a potential
mate and how gender influences these preferences without describing the
processes of mate selection. To fill this gap, this paper highlights the
processes of mate selection and how social variables such as place of
residence, education and gender influence the mate selection standards of
individuals. It also highlights the sources of these standards and how they
might have changed overtime. Employing a mixed-method approach and
grounded in the social role theory, the study points to two main findings:
first at different stages of their lives, individuals get involved in different
‘romantic’ relationships before finally settling down with a particular
partner. The study also shows that most individuals have a preconceived
set of mate selection standards prior to the selection of a partner