The effects of control of resources on magnitudes of sex differences in human mate preferences.
Level 4 - case-series / case-control
Cross-sectional survey study (graded level 4 by design analogy for non-clinical research).
PubMed 22947829 · doi:10.1177/147470491000800412
What was done
An online survey of 3,770 participants examined how personal resource control affects the magnitude of sex differences in mate preferences. Researchers evaluated stated preferences for ideal partner age, maximum and minimum partner ages tolerated, and the relative prioritization of physical attractiveness versus good financial prospects.
What was found
The abstract reports no numerical data, effect sizes, or test statistics. Directionally, the magnitude of sex differences in partner age preferences increased with resource control, whereas the sex difference in prioritizing physical attractiveness over good financial prospects disappeared among individuals with high resource control.
Why it matters
This study provides mixed evidence regarding whether economic empowerment reduces gender disparities in partner choice, highlighting divergent patterns between age and financial/attractiveness preferences.
Limits
The study used a cross-sectional online survey, making it prone to self-selection bias and unable to establish causality. The abstract does not report numerical data, demographic details, how resource control was defined, or whether stated preferences reflect real-world mating choices.
Cited by
- supports Higher-income women have stronger overall mate preferences across multiple traits, including physical attractiveness, compared to lower-income women.