نبذة مختصرة : Individuals tend to find life partners who are similar to themselves, a phenomenon known as homogamy. This study focuses on spatial homogamy, which is the similarity regarding the geographical origin of partners. Adopting a combination of quantitative and qualitative research methods, the geographical dimension of partner choice is explored for the Netherlands. Distance decay is highly pertinent for Dutch cohabitation partners: half of them meet within a 6-kilometre distance. The level of spatial homogamy not only varies by demographic and socioeconomic characteristics of individuals, but also exhibits a spatial distribution. The spatial variation can be explained by a combination of cultural, geographical and socioeconomic factors. In a case study in a rural area in eastern Netherlands, villagers indicated that a partner from close by is seen as convenient, familiar and trustworthy. The distance at which partners are found is influenced by the perceived mentality and culture of neighbouring places.
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