The impact of modernization on mating strategies in Iran: A comparison across cities versus small towns

Publication Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

4-2024

Abstract

The mating market in Iran has shown an increased rate of relationship formation. In such relationships, the most important pillar is physical attractiveness. We adopt an evolutionary perspective to understand this trend. Through comparing districts with different levels of modernization, this study explores the effects of modernization on mate preferences in Iran. We propose that rapid modernization reduces the preference for long-term relationships and has led to a rise in short-term mating strategies. We predict that the rise of short-term mating strategies will be reflected in higher frequencies of relationships and prioritizing physical attraction in mateseeking in modern versus non-modern areas. We collected data across states and interviewed 504 participants from 3 big cities (i.e., highly modernized) and 14 small towns and villages (i.e., less modernized). We found evidence of mating patterns in Iran that aligns with our predictions. We provide some plausible theoretical explanations and discuss the implications of these findings.

Keywords

Mate preferences, Modernization, Sexual strategies, Tradeoff theory

Discipline

Social Psychology | Social Psychology and Interaction

Research Areas

Psychology

Publication

Personality and Individual Differences

Volume

221

First Page

1

Last Page

6

ISSN

0191-8869

Identifier

10.1016/j.paid.2024.112546

Publisher

Elsevier

Copyright Owner and License

Authors

Additional URL

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2024.112546

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