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Mate selection preferences: gender differences examined in a national sample

S Sprecher1, Q Sullivan, E Hatfield

  • 1Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Illinois State University, Normal 61790-4660.

Journal of Personality and Social Psychology
|June 1, 1994
PubMed
Summary

Men prioritize youth and attractiveness, while women value earning potential in a mate, according to a national survey. These gender differences in mate preferences were consistent across most demographic groups.

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Area of Science:

  • Social Psychology
  • Human Mating Behavior

Background:

  • Previous research on mate preferences often used small, nonrepresentative samples.
  • Understanding gender differences in mate selection is crucial in social psychology.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze gender differences in desired mate traits using a national probability sample.
  • To compare mate preferences between men and women across various sociodemographic groups.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized data from the National Survey of Families and Households, a representative sample of single adults.
  • Respondents rated willingness to marry a partner with 12 specified assets or liabilities.

Main Results:

  • Gender differences in mate preferences align with prior research: men valued youth and attractiveness more, while women prioritized earning potential.

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  • These patterns remained consistent across different age groups and races.

    • Conclusions:

    • The study confirms established gender differences in mate preferences within a large, diverse population.
    • Sociodemographic factors showed minor variations in the magnitude of these gender differences.