A University of Iowa marriage study reveals that current college undergraduates are more concerned about meeting and marrying someone they love and are attracted to than students from prior studies.
For the study, 1,100 undergraduates were asked to rank 18 characteristics according to what they most prefer in a mate. Students came from the University of Washington, the University of Virginia, Penn State University, and the University of Iowa. Sociologists Christine Whelan and Christie Boxer broke down the results of the marriage study and found some surprising results.
Both men and women ranked "Love and Attraction" as their top priority in a relationship in the marriage study; however, according to Science Daily, a few years ago this same characteristic wasn't in the top three. Then, it was important for males to marry someone who was adept in the kitchen and who was chaste. Conversely, chastity was the lowest-ranked characteristic for both genders for the 2008 study.
So, what are the top three things that men and women want? According to the University of Iowa marriage study, both genders agreed that mutual attraction and love, a dependable character and emotional stability won out over all.
Valuing Love Over Chastity
Study Shows Students Care More About Marrying Mr. Right Than Mr. Virgin
Trend Themes
1. Shifting Priorities in Relationships - The University of Iowa marriage study revealed that college undergraduates prioritize love and attraction over other characteristics in a mate, indicating a shift in relationship priorities.
2. Gender Equality in Relationship Preferences - Both men and women rank love and attraction as their top priority in a relationship, signaling a move towards equal importance placed on emotional connection.
3. Evolution of Traditional Relationship Ideals - In contrast to prior studies, chastity is no longer a top priority for either gender, suggesting a shift away from traditional ideals in relationships.
Industry Implications
1. Dating and Relationship Apps - Dating apps can capitalize on the trend of prioritizing love and attraction, offering features that help users gauge emotional connection and compatibility.
2. Counseling and Relationship Therapy - With shifting relationship priorities, therapists and counselors can focus on helping individuals navigate emotional connections and build healthy, fulfilling relationships.
3. Wedding and Relationship Industry - As love and attraction become the top priorities in relationships, the wedding industry can market experiences that celebrate these values rather than traditional notions of chastity and domesticity.