Sex and Generational Differences in Desired Characteristics in Mate Selection

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

This study compared the ranking of 18 personal characteristics or qualities which college students might use in selecting a future mate and builds on six other assessment periods from 1939-1996 which dealt with this issue. Among the most consistent findings for all seven assessment periods is the high value both sexes place on dependable character, emotional stability/maturity, pleasing disposition, and mutual attraction/love. Men across all assessment periods placed a higher value than women on good health, good cook/housekeeper, and good looks, while women placed a higher value on ambitious/industrious, similar educational background, and good financial prospect. These trends could go along with ethological theory. For both sexes chastity and similar religious background gained value; however, this may be an artifact of the current sample of 100 students.
Original languageAmerican English
Pages (from-to)19-25
JournalPsychological reports
Volume96
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 2005

Disciplines

  • Developmental Psychology
  • Psychology
  • Family, Life Course, and Society

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