IDEAL AND REAL SPOUSE SELECTION CRITERIA AMONG THE YOUTH OF GILGIT-BALTISTAN

Abstract

Spouse selection is recognized around the world as accepted process where individual search for partner. Its purpose is to serve the requirement of matching the women for men and vice versa. This research was conducted with aim to find out ideal and real spouse selection among youth of Gilgit-Baltistan. Selection of ideal mate is confusing process in the life of most people. Social exchange theory and matching hypothesis are supporting ideal and real spouse selection. In both theories, seeking spouse is justified in an ideal way. Both men and women weigh rewards and costs and attract towards those who are as attractive as themselves. Both men and women possess ideal spouse selection. Men idealized physical attractiveness, education and social status of girl. On the other hand, female respondents idealized caring, supportive and honesty. Barrier in spouse selection is sect and no family and caste barrier reported. Both male and female are not fully independent in choosing spouse. In the preferences, economic status while social status of spouse is emphasized by both male and female respondents. Respondents reported that their real spouse do not possess ideal criteria they proposed before marriage.