Year
2012
Season
Spring
Paper Type
Master's Thesis
College
College of Arts and Sciences
Degree Name
Master of Arts in General Psychology (MAGP)
Department
Psychology
First Advisor
Dr. Joseph Schmuller
Second Advisor
Dr. Juliana Leding
Third Advisor
Dr. Emily Zitek
Department Chair
Dr. Michael Toglia
College Dean
Dr. Barbara A. Hetrick
Abstract
The current work extends upon the theories of female mate preference in a novel way by examining how the interaction of race and the masculinity of males affect preference in females. In Study 1, I manipulated the facial masculinity of photographs of White, Black, and Asian males. Female participants rated the faces on attractiveness, masculinity, and age. In Study 2, nine photographs were matched on masculinity and participants made judgments on dimensions relating to dateabiltity, attractiveness, resources, masculinity, and parenting behaviors. Asian males are often neglected as potential romantic partners. A major aim of the current work was to assess if racial bias against Asian males in romantic situations are lessened with increased facial masculinity. Asian males were evaluated highly across several dimensions if they possessed high masculine facial characteristics. Medium masculine White and Black males were evaluated as the most attractive and dateable in their respective racial groups. Additionally, low masculine White and Black males were evaluated as better choices for resource and family-related attributions in their respective racial groups.
Suggested Citation
Penuliar, Michael S., "The Effect of Race and Masculinity on Female Mate Preference" (2012). UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations. 408.
https://digitalcommons.unf.edu/etd/408