Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 27, 2026

Combining Behavioral Endocrinology and Experimental Economics: Testosterone and Social Decision Making
Published on: March 2, 2011
Social Exchange and The Progression of Sexual Relationships in Emerging Adulthood
1Department of Policy Analysis & Management, 120 Martha Van Rensselaer Hall, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853.
Abstract:
Research has extensively examined matching on race and other characteristics in cohabitation and marriage, but it has generally disregarded sexual and romantic relationships. Using data from the 2002 National Survey of Family Growth and the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, we examine the tempo of key transitions in the recent relationships of young adults aged 18 to 24. We focus on how the racial mix of partners in relationships is associated with the timing to sex, cohabitation, and marriage. We find evidence that relationships between white men and minority women proceed more rapidly than relationships involving other racial combinations from romance to sexual involvement and from sexual involvement to cohabitation. Our findings have important implications for social exchange perspectives on mate selection.
Related Concept Videos
Social Exchange Theory
Social Exchange Theory
Emerging Adulthood
Relationship Growth
Relationship Formation
Erikson's Theory on Socioemotional Development during Adolescence

