Changing Patterns of Marriage and Household Formation in Peninsular Malaysia

Based on surveys conducted among different ethnic groups in rural and urban settings in peninsular Malaysia in 1981-82, this paper analyses changes in patterns of marriage and household formation among Malays, Chinese, and Indians. Aspects covered include social mixing before marriage, choice of spouse, comparison of spouses characteristics, and place of residence after marriage. There are important cultural differences between the main Malaysian ethnic groups in matters related to marriage, but in many important respects, attitudes and practice are tending to converge somewhat. For each ethnic group, however, the timing of marriage still differs. Education is clearly a major influence, but other factor s such as degree offteedom in the choice of spouse, age of spouses at the time of marriage, and the prospective place of residence after marriage also have an independent influence.