How important is religion in spouse selection in Pakistan according to research?
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Direct answer
Religion appears repeatedly as an important spouse-selection consideration in Pakistani research, often through religious commitment, shared values, sect or expected family practice. However, Pakistan has no nationally representative score showing exactly what percentage ranks religion first. University and regional studies measure different samples and ask different questions, so their percentages should not be combined. The evidence supports describing religion as a recurring criterion, not as a universal priority that outweighs character, compatibility, education, family background or economic considerations in every marriage decision.
Sources used
Mate selection preferences among university students in Pakistan
Science International
A limited private-university study of desired spouse traits; findings cannot be generalized to all Pakistanis.View sourceEducation and mate-selection agency among educated women in Malakand Division
PubMed-indexed research
Mixed-method regional study using 30 interviews and a questionnaire completed by 500 educated women.View source