How Descriptive Norms and Peer Attitudes Shape Interethnic Dating Among Adolescents in Dutch Schools

Abstract

This study examines the role of school‐based environmental factors in shaping interethnic dating patterns among adolescents in the Netherlands. Given that adolescence is a formative period for social behavior, early interethnic dating experiences may foster openness to interethnic marriage later in life. This article focuses on how general peer approval of the outgroup and descriptive norms (i.e., the prevalence of interethnic relationships) influences adolescents’ partner choices. Using longitudinal data from the Dutch part of the Children of Immigrants Longitudinal Survey in Four European Countries (CILS4EU), we test whether these factors affect the likelihood of interethnic dating. Results supported the hypothesis that descriptive norms moderate interethnic dating as they strengthen the link between positive individual attitudes towards the ethnic outgroup and the likelihood of interethnic dating. Descriptive norms furthermore moderate the effect of personal preferences, strengthening the relationship under supportive normative conditions. Personal preferences and parental influences also play decisive roles. Additionally, our results suggest that ethnic minorities and non‐religious adolescents are more likely to engage in interethnic dating. Future research should explore other sources of normative influence, such as (social) media and adolescent clubs, to better understand the normative underpinnings of interethnic relationships.