Abstract
Two studies (Ns = 1,113 and 98) examined University men and womens’ differing preferences for singles ads as a function of the values declared by ad-writers, using Kasser and colleagues’ distinction between extrinsic values (financial success, status/fame, and image/attractiveness) and intrinsic values (emotional intimacy, community contribution, and personal growth). In general, participants preferred writers espousing intrinsic values. Women, compared to men, especially preferred partners espousing intrinsic values. They also expressed less interest in partners espousing extrinsic values, with one exception: compared to men, they were more interested in partners espousing financial success values. Implications for debates regarding the evolved versus sociological origins of gender differences are discussed, as well as implications for theories of attraction based on the matching hypothesis.
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Sheldon, K.M. Gender Differences in Preferences for Singles Ads that Proclaim Extrinsic Versus Intrinsic Values. Sex Roles 57, 119–129 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11199-007-9215-3
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11199-007-9215-3