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Do Men and Women Exhibit Different Preferences for Mates? A Replication of Eastwick and Finkel (2008)

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  • Dylan F. Selterman
  • Elizabeth Chagnon
  • Sean P. Mackinnon

Abstract

Evolutionary theory predicts that men will prefer physically attractive romantic partners, and women will prefer wealthy, high-status partners. This theory is well-supported when examining ideal hypothetical partner preferences, but less support has been found when people interact face-to-face. The present study served as a direct replication of results reported in Eastwick and Finkel (2008). We recruited 307 participants and utilized a speed-dating methodology to allow in-person interactions, then administered follow-up surveys to measure romantic interest over 30 days. Data were analyzed using multilevel modeling and were aggregated using meta-analysis. Consistent with previous findings, our results showed that participants were more romantically interested in potential partners if they were viewed as attractive and good potential earners, and these associations were not moderated by gender. Results suggest that gender differences predicted by evolutionary theory may not hold when people interact with potential romantic partners face-to-face. However, we discuss these results in light of some general methodological limitations and evidence from other lines of research.

Suggested Citation

  • Dylan F. Selterman & Elizabeth Chagnon & Sean P. Mackinnon, 2015. "Do Men and Women Exhibit Different Preferences for Mates? A Replication of Eastwick and Finkel (2008)," SAGE Open, , vol. 5(3), pages 21582440156, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:sagope:v:5:y:2015:i:3:p:2158244015605160
    DOI: 10.1177/2158244015605160
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Raymond Fisman & Sheena S. Iyengar & Emir Kamenica & Itamar Simonson, 2006. "Gender Differences in Mate Selection: Evidence From a Speed Dating Experiment," The Quarterly Journal of Economics, President and Fellows of Harvard College, vol. 121(2), pages 673-697.
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