Customs Associated with Premarital Sexual Freedom in 143 Societies

Abstract

In a world sample of 143 diverse societies, partial correlations and a multiple regression demonstrated that seven customs each had an independently statistically significant association with a high degree of premarital sexual freedom. Three customs, which support independence of marital couples, are minimal government hierarchy, no payment at marriage, and pigs are the largest domesticated animals. Four customs, which support community cooperation, are ceremonial praying, matrilineal kinship, exogamous marriage, and a high degree of community integration. Within the past century, premarital sexual intercourse has become more permitted in many industrialized nations. This change may be partly attributable to more independence of marital couples and cooperation in more widespread communities.