Raybeck says that "people are becoming more practical in their search for significant others and they're also displaying considerable skill at manipulating the culture code." The survey was co-authored by Indiana State psychologists Michael Sarapata and Douglas Herrmann.
The study of 18 months of "personals columns" run in a New York newspaper included 271 ads from males and 191 ads from females. The disproportionate representation of males is consistent with earlier research suggesting that men are more likely to use personals. Raybeck and Dorenbosch's findings reveal clear gender differences. Women use terms such as "homebody," "country girl," "sensitive," and "easy going." They are far more likely than men to describe their body type, with terms like "attractive," "curvaceous" and "slim." No women state they are overweight, but a number write they are "full-figured." Compared to 21 percent of men, only 9 percent of women gave their weight. Women seek honesty, humor and sensitivity. To a lesser degree they look for men who are secure and independent with occasional helpful references to "Mr. Right."
Men are more likely than women to write of their "honesty" and "financial success." Their descriptors include words like "successful," "athletic," honest," "caring," and "humorous." When they write of their physical characteristics they were more likely to mention their height than their build. Men seek women who are "outgoing" and "athletic" -- traits not generally mentioned by women. On the other hand men seldom mention a desire for physical attractiveness, yet women supply such information a majority of the time.
The researchers concluded that while following gender stereotypes -- men seek beauty and youth and women seek financial security and responsibility -- both are aware of the cultural scripts that guide their own behavior and the behavior of the opposite sex. Each gender is aware of the preferences and interests of the opposite sex and the information they include about themselves reflects a sensitivity to what is attractive to the other.
For information about the 1999 American Anthropological Association 98th Annual Meeting, contact Mara Greengrass, (703) 528-1902 x3029. The authors can be reached during the week of the conference at 312-922-4400. Or call Hamilton media contact: Sharon Rippey 315-859-4691.
