The Race to the Altar: Coupling Relationships at Christian Colleges

Abstract

This article explores the dynamics that shape coupling relationships on Christian college campuses from a social exchange perspective. These relationships accelerate from friends to partners quickly, and it is assumed most relationships will end in marriage. Using marital paradigm theory as a framework, I argue that the pressure to pick a partner prior to graduation is much greater due to the Christian college context, the fabricated sense of urgency while in college, and the salience of marriage. This dynamic, laced with gendered expectations, impacts not only romantic relationships, but friendships as well. Some women find themselves in adversarial relationships with other women as they compete for male resources in an environment where the number if available men is scarce. The pressure is on, as young men and women set out to complete a degree, while also finding themselves in a race to the altar.