This paper examines the relative impact of cultural attitudes (attitudes towards cohabitation) on the likelihood of an individual marrying or cohabitating. More we are interested in understanding whether or not differences in attitudes towards or marrying may help explain some of the differences in the way in which different within South Africa choose coupledom. To do this, we employed three 'cultural' 'The racial categories of "White," "Black," "Coloured" and "Asian" as used in South Africa refer markers and do not denote or imply any inherent characteristics. Their continued use in South Africa understanding differences in behavior based on culture,) and we tested their influence on the likelihood and cohabiting whilst controlling for a number of key socio-demographic factors. thus examines the central question as to what unique contribution such cultural variables may make to understanding differences in choice of relationship status. argue that exploring norms and values are crucial if the cultural dimension marital patterns is to be adequately