Indira Turney
Mate Selection in Younger People
Today, more women than men are obtaining doctorate degrees, which will result in an increase in pay, higher education, and increased social status. This phenomenon will bring about a change in mate selection since previous research has shown that inconsistency in spouse's income is a significant predictor of marital satisfaction (Nock & Wilcox, 2006). In addition, with the steady decline in our current economy, a mate with great earning potential may be more desirable. This study examines what factors influence college educated men and women's choice of mate. In addition, how open these students are to interracial marriage. Research questions include; what are the lowest levels of income potential, career potential, and educational attainment that university students will accept in a potential mate. Data was collected from 34 students in a research program at the University of Iowa, using the Relationship Choice survey. The hypotheses suggests that younger women, would be more likely to emphasize high income potential in an ideal mate and less likely to emphasize lower income, along with education level and career potential. I also hypothesize that younger men, would still emphasize attractiveness in an ideal mate. Hypothesis three also states that age may influence mate selection, meaning that younger men and women will not emphasize racial characteristics in a potential mate.