Educational heterogamy: does it equal cultural differences in child-rearing?

Heterogamy is commonly considered detrimental to relationships because of its hypothesized link with cultural differences and social disapproval. Focusing on the link with cultural differences, this explanation lacks solid empirical support. The scarce studies encounter problems related to the choice and measurement of cultural differences, while psychology oriented studies have generally not confirmed this link. In addition, the wide theoretical base that supports this link, is challenged by a number of empirical considerations that cast doubt on the cultural similarity of homogamous couples (e.g. gender differences in values and behaviors), and the quasi-mechanical effect that is assumed to lead to cultural differences for heterogamous couples (e.g. selection on values and behaviors). Progressing from the inconclusive findings of previous studies, this study examines the theoretically founded link between educational heterogamy, as heterogamy in achieved characteristics is asserted most important for cultural differences, and cultural differences concerning child-rearing. In addition, Diagonal Reference Models are used to analyze the individually measured values and behaviors of both partners, as couples data from the Netherlands are used (survey Child-rearing and family in the Netherlands). Results indicate that education shows the expected positive association with the child-rearing behaviours of support, and the expected negative association with the child-rearing behaviours of negative control and the child-rearing values of adaptation. However, for educational heterogamy, the situation appears more complex, as results show that homogamous couples are not free of cultural differences either (e.g. gender differences in negative control), while the degree of cultural differences is affected by other important factors as well (e.g. processes of selection). Nevertheless, a positive link between educational heterogamy and cultural differences was found for support and adaptation. For negative control, a different mechanism appeared to be at work with increased negative control for both partners in heterogamous couples. While this does not support the hypothesis of increased cultural differences for heterogamous couples, it does fit with the idea of heterogamy leading to problems in heterogamous families.