Do Women Want Men Only for Money?
The question of whether women want men solely for their money is complex and doesn't have a simple "yes" or "no" answer. Research suggests that while financial resources are a factor in mate selection, they are not the only or even the most important factor for many women. The role of money in relationships is multifaceted and influenced by various psychological, social, and evolutionary factors.
According to evolutionary psychology, women may prioritize a mate's resources because, historically, men's resources were crucial for providing for offspring and ensuring their survival.[1] However, this doesn't mean that women are only interested in money. Instead, it suggests that resources are one of many factors women consider when choosing a partner.
According to research, men with more money can make higher demands regarding women's physical attractiveness and engage more in short-term mating than men with less money.[1] Women, on the other hand, may place more value on a mate's resources, but this is not the only factor.[1]
According to a study, men who felt they had relatively more money were less satisfied with their partners' physical attractiveness, while this effect was not significant for women.[1] Both men and women who felt they had relatively more money exhibited a greater "behavioral approach tendency" toward an attractive member of the opposite sex.[1]
According to the article "Money and Power in Marriage," wives with higher earning potential relative to their husbands consume more than wives with lower earning potential.[4] They tend to have a little bit more leisure and do a little less housework.[4]
According to the article "New Research Analyzes Height, Weight, Income and More In Regards to Sex and Dating," men and women, ages 18-25, found qualities like being good looking, having a slender body, and having a successful career to be more essential than any other age bracket.[6] They were also the least interested in qualities like having a steady income, and were generally less interested in qualities like making an equal amount of money, or even making a lot of money.[6]
The SmartHER Money website states that women tend to earn less, learn less about financial matters from their parents, and deal with less support from the financial community than men.[3]
The article "What Women Need in a Relationship: 10 Essential Elements for a Strong and Fulfilling Relationship" highlights that women need to feel loved and cherished, have emotional intimacy, strong communication, trust, empathy, validation, support for personal growth, shared values, adventure, and quality time together.[5]
The article "Psychology Study Asks: Should the man always pick up the check?" states that studies on the subject tend to favor men paying on the first date.[2]
In conclusion, while financial resources can be a factor in women's mate preferences, they are not the sole determinant. Women consider a range of factors, including emotional intimacy, communication, trust, shared values, and other qualities. The importance of financial resources can vary depending on individual circumstances, age, and cultural context.
Authoritative Sources
- Money, Mating Strategy, and Romantic Relationships. [PMC]↩
- Psychology Study Asks: Should the man always pick up the check? [Chapman University]↩
- Financial Information for Women. [SmartHER Money]↩
- Money and Power in Marriage. [Knowledge at Wharton]↩
- What Women Need in a Relationship: 10 Essential Elements for a Strong and Fulfilling Relationship. [USU Extension]↩
- New Research Analyzes Height, Weight, Income and More In Regards to Sex and Dating. [Chapman University]↩
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