Income hypergamy preference
Preference for a partner with equal or higher economic rank. Historically female-typical in surveys.
The modern quantitative nuance is not that women always want richer men. As women's own income and education rise, strict economic hypergamy yields to educational and cultural homogamy (similarity in cognitive class and lifestyle), provided the safety floor is met (Fisman et al. 2006 and later matching studies).
Also called marrying up, status hypergamy.
Connected relationships
Observational · Moderate
Disposable income→Income hypergamy preference
A rise in Disposable income does not identify a change in Income hypergamy preference.
As the income gap closes, strict economic hypergamy yields to educational and cultural homogamy. Incentives, not a frozen instinct.
Observational · Low
Sociosexuality (SOI-R)→Income hypergamy preference
A rise in Sociosexuality (SOI-R) does not identify a change in Income hypergamy preference.
Unrestricted sociosexuality is not a stealth measure of 'women want richer men'.
Observational · Moderate
Net worth→Income hypergamy preference
A rise in Net worth does not identify a change in Income hypergamy preference.
Assets change the feasible set in a mating market. That is not a new instinct.
Cases
Sources
- R. Fisman et al. (2006). Gender differences in mate selection: Evidence from a speed dating experiment
- D. M. Buss et al. (1989). Sex differences in human mate preferences: Evolutionary hypotheses tested in 37 cultures
- L. Penke et al. (2008). Beyond global sociosexual orientations: A more differentiated look at sociosexuality and its effects on courtship and romantic relationships