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Social-economic theory and short-term mate preferences: The effects of gender roles and socioeconomic status
Objective Men's and women's mate preferences in long-term relationships have been extensively considered in research. However, men's and women's short-term mate preferences have not received nearly as much attention. In particular, theoretical origins of men's and women's short-term mate preferences have received limited consideration in comparison to long-term relationships. Specifically, although evolutionary origins of short-term mate preferences have been discussed, elements of social-economic theory (i.e., socioeconomic status (SES) and gender roles) have not yet been explored. The current study sought to address the gap in the literature concerning short-term mate preferences and social-economic theory.
Method Seven hundred eighty-one participants were recruited to complete a questionnaire that included the mate budget paradigm.
Results: For men, results showed significant independent effects of SES and gender roles on a short-term mate's physical attractiveness scores, but no significant interaction. Results also showed no significant main effect of SES and gender roles on short-term mate's social level scores, although there was a significant interaction between a masculine gender role and medium and high SES. For women, there were no independent or interactive effects of SES and gender roles on physical attractiveness and social level scores.
Discussion: Results were interpreted in relation to both evolutionary and social-economic theories, specifically discussing strategic pluralism and sexual strategies theories. Results of the study highlight the need for increased awareness of independent and interactional effects of social-economic theory elements on men's and women's short-term mate preferences, and further exploration of relationships outside the dichotomy of long and short term.
History
Publication title
Australian Journal of PsychologyVolume
68Issue
4Pagination
241-250ISSN
0004-9530Department/School
School of Psychological SciencesPublisher
Australian Psychological SocPlace of publication
AustraliaRights statement
Copyright 2015 The Australian Psychological SocietyRepository Status
- Restricted