The men usually cultivate the gardens while the women tend to household chores. However, the women also help with the farming and the men help with the household duties. As Muslims, the Yakan are allowed to have as many as four wives, but this practice is becoming rare. Formerly, marriages were arranged, but now the children's wishes are considered. A bride price is still paid to the bride by the groom or his family.
Newlyweds usually live with the parents of the bride or the groom.
Later, they form their own household on land belonging to either of them. Divorce is common, and may by initiated by either the man or the woman. The nuclear family, which consists of the husband, his wife, and their unmarried children, is the most common domestic unit. Property is divided equally between children, in spite of teachings in the Koran, which state that a daughter should only inherit half as much as a son. The Yakan enjoy playing musical instruments.