The George Clooney Effect – High-Earning Women ‘want Older, More Attractive Partners'

Science Daily ^ | December 10, 2010 | Science Daily

[Tolerance Sucks Rocks]

ScienceDaily (Dec. 10, 2010) — Psychologists have found that George Clooney may be even luckier than previously thought…Research at the University of Abertay Dundee discovered that as women become more financially independent, they want an older, more attractive male partner.

Studies have previously found that women place greater emphasis on whether a man can provide for them, while men place more importance on good looks. The new study revealed that as women earn more and become more independent, their tastes actually change.

The finding suggests that greater financial independence gives women greater confidence in choosing their partner. Instinctive preferences for material stability and security become less important, physical attractiveness becomes more important, and the age of partner women pick also increases.

Lead researcher Dr Fhionna Moore, a psychology lecturer at the University of Abertay Dundee, said: "Previous research shows that men place greater importance on physical attractiveness when picking a partner, whereas women focus much more on whether someone can provide material resources.

"We'd assumed that as women earn more, their partner preferences would actually become more like those of men, with a tendency towards preferring younger, more attractive partners rather than those who can provide and care for children.

"However, the preferred age difference did not change as we'd expected -- more financially independent women actually preferred even older men. We think this suggests greater financial independence gives women more confidence in partner choices, and attracts them to powerful, attractive older men."

The study was conducted online with 3770 heterosexual participants, who were asked questions about their background and personal situation, and their level of financial independence. 1851 women and 1919 men took part in the research.

[Mr. Mojo]

while men place more importance on good looks

Good looks, sure. But does she share my conservative cultural values? Is she easy to get along with? Do we have "chemistry"?

And most importantly, can she cook?

[Free Vulcan]

Considering what I went thru with my last girlfriend, I believe this.

[43north]

I’m sure she wants me to mke her feel like a woman.

Here, wash my clothes...

[Tax-chick]

I have an older, more attractive partner. We’ve been married almost 22 years.

[Jack Hammer]

Older... more attractive...?

Here I am, gals.

Well, older anyway...

[Frantzie]

The joke is Clooney plays for the other team. Gaydar.

[libh8er]

Instinctive preferences for material stability and security become less important, physical attractiveness becomes more important

A major flaw (omission) in the article. Just because a woman's financially independent does not automatically make her more desirable to men. Men, at least those who aren't dead beat parasites, will still use the same criteria in choosing women. So the woman can be as picky as she wants, but she isn't going anywhere unless the man she is interested in, the supposedly older attractive type, is attracted to her. And in most cases he won't. These older men are still chasing the younger attractive women.

[libh8er]

These older men are still chasing the younger attractive women — financially independent or not.

[SunkenCiv]

Liberace, Rock Hudson, and Cesar Romero thought so.

[Talisker]

The headline says: "High-Earning Women ‘want Older, More Attractive Partners."

The article says: "We think this suggests greater financial independence gives women more confidence in partner choices, and attracts them to powerful, attractive older men."

Difference? The word "powerful."

It's bad enough to have to admit the obvious, that women chase money. So you have to victimize them for doing it - why, they just lacked "confidence," that's all.

But what do they want when they have the "confidence" of lots of money?

Power.

Their own? No no no... through a man.

Oops, can't have THAT out, either.

So, lemme see... I know - take it out of the headline.

Hypocrisy ain't just a river in Egypt.

[Tanniker Smith]

I thought they wanted young, hot studs? Boy, you just can’t trust reality television anymore.

[Persevero]

One of my sons’ favorite pasttimes is to buy gifts and so forth for their girlfriends. They love it.

Nothing wrong with it.

[Perdogg]

I wonder jow much govt money this study got.

[Sunshine Sister]

Good for you Tax Chick! You just keep on keepin’ on! I’ll be cheering for you!

[boop]

I like the old saying "you'll see a rich old man with a young, beautiful woman, but you'll never see a poor old man with a young beautiful woman."

Interestingly, the converse doesn't seem to be true, unless you're Carol Channing (or any rich old bag), and your "boyfriend" is gay.

[Grizzled Bear]

High-Earning Women ‘want Older, More Attractive Partners'

I'm old, but I'm also butt ugly. It's a good thing Mrs Bear is cool with that!

[libh8er]

the converse doesn't seem to be true,

Rich old woman with 'young beautiful man'.

[ladyjane]

Increasingly some young men want financially independent partners. The ones I’ve known who are in law school or medical school were very clear they wanted women who could support themselves. That is a small subgroup, I know.

[Kickass Conservative]

If I had known they were going to take a picture of me and the girlfriend, I would have worn my tighter swim trunks.