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Mate value and self-esteem: evidence from eight cultural groups
Robin Goodwin1, Tara Marshall, Marta Fülöp
1Department of Psychology, Brunel University, London, United Kingdom. robin.goodwin@brunel.ac.uk
Plos One
|May 5, 2012
Summary
Self-perceived mate value (SPMV) varies across cultures, influenced by values and gender roles. Women emphasize romance, while individualistic cultures value social attractiveness and passion.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary psychology
- Cross-cultural psychology
- Social psychology
Background:
- Self-perceived mate value (SPMV) is a key concept in evolutionary psychology.
- Understanding cultural variations in SPMV and its link to self-esteem is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore cross-cultural differences in SPMV.
- To examine the association between SPMV and self-esteem across diverse cultures.
- To investigate the influence of cultural values and gender equality on SPMV.
Main Methods:
- Survey research involving 1066 participants from 8 cultural groups in 7 countries.
- Participants rated themselves on 24 SPMV items and completed a self-esteem measure.
Main Results:
- Women emphasized caring and romantic traits, aligning with evolutionary theory.
- Individualistic cultures and self-expression values correlated with emphasis on passion, romance, and social attractiveness.
- Maturity and confidence were linked to Traditional cultural values.
- Societal gender equality had limited impact, though honesty was vital for male self-esteem in unequal societies.
Conclusions:
- Cultural and environmental factors significantly shape self-perceived mate qualities.
- Findings contribute to debates on gender equality's impact on sex differences in personality and mating strategies.
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