Posted on 07/18/2011 1:01:01 PM PDT by null and void
New research finds that mens conspicuous spending is driven by the desire to have uncommitted romantic flings. And, gentlemen, women can see right through it. Study shows that flashy spending may work for the short term but not for marriage. Just as peacocks flaunt their tails before potential mates, men may flaunt flashy products to charm potential dates. Notably, not all men favored this strategy just those men who were interested in short-term sexual relationships with women.
The series of studies, "Peacocks, Porsches and Thorstein Veblen: Conspicuous Consumption as a Sexual Signaling System," was conducted with nearly 1,000 test subjects and published recently in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. The research was performed by faculty at Rice University, the University of Texas-San Antonio (UTSA) and the University of Minnesota.
"This research suggests that conspicuous products, such as Porsches, can serve the same function for some men that large and brilliant feathers serve for peacocks," said Jill Sundie, assistant professor of marketing at UTSA and lead author of the paper.
"The studies show that some men are like peacocks. Theyre the ones driving the bright colored sports car," said co-author Vladas Griskevicius, assistant professor of marketing at the University of Minnesota.
According to the researchers, women found a man who chose to purchase a flashy luxury product (such as a Porsche) more desirable than the same man who purchased a non-luxury item (such as a Honda Civic). However, there was a catch: although women found the flashy men more desirable for a date, the man with the Porsche was not preferred as a marriage partner. Women inferred from a man's flashy spending that he was interested in uncommitted sex.
"When women considered him for a long-term relationship, owning the sports car held no advantage relative to owning an economy car," said co-author Daniel Beal, assistant professor of psychology at Rice. "People may feel that owning flashy things makes them more attractive as a relationship partner, but in truth, many men might be sending women the wrong message."
Though often associated with Western culture, extreme forms of conspicuous displays have been found in cultures across the globe and throughout history. While finding that men may use conspicuous consumption as a short-term mating signal, the researchers discovered that women don't behave in the same manner and dont conspicuously spend to attract men. "Obviously, women also spend plenty of money on expensive things," Sundie said. "But the anticipation of romance doesn't trigger flashy spending as it does with some men."
Other co-authors of the study are Kathleen Vohs, University of Minnesota; Douglas Kenrick, Arizona State University; and Joshua Tybur, University of New Mexico.
I found that part interesting. Are men really looking for marriage partners?
What about Jeeps?
“Broads, Buicks, and Buckley!”
No, Corvette’s do.
Blue Oyster Cult addressed that in their song “Golden Age Of Leather”:
For this fantastic night was billed
As nothing less than the end of an age
A last crusade
A final outrage
In this day of flaccid plumage
And there was worn no cloth but leather
Made supple by years of stinging cinders
I’ll take the polished chrome and worn leather, thanks.
What's the difference between a Porsche and a porcupine?
Answer in white: In a porcupine the pricks are on the outside.
Maybe this would work better.............
How dumb is this statement?
Of course women don't conspicuously spend on things like cars to attract men. On the other hand, most men I know don't dress in skin-tight, form-fitting, and low cut clothing either. Don't women conspicuously dress like this to attract men? Sheesh.
I’ve owned so many cars I can’t count them. A Carrera I had was a blast to drive. I did not buy it for babes. Don’t need a car for that. I bought it because it was fun to drive. I have some other high performance cars but usually drive a pickup daily.
Some women are in to the “stuff”. The fun ones are the ones don’t care. I like hearing “what is a rolex?” when they ask about one of my watches.
All women are in to money. They may say they are not but that is a lie. And they all love “white things” aka diamonds.
The best gift you can give to a woman besides some things I won’t describe cuz I’ll get banned is to simply listen to them. Women love knowing that you have been listening. If they mention they like something even in passing wait a bit then give it to them. Could be something inexpensive like leaving the toilet configured to whatever. Paying attention is a big deal.
Yes. At some point, most women quit looking at the bulge in the front of your pants and start looking at the bulge in your back pocket.
“metrosexuals drive porsches.....”
NOPE. Metros drive Prius, Lexus, Mini, convertible Mercedes, etc
After a couple of dates, she'll be pestering you to get married and after a few months of marriage to get an SUV.
Other true aphrodisiacs are alcohol, and, believe it or not, a ride on a roller coaster.
That one ALWAYS cracks me up! (No pun intended.)
Women spend big bucks on cloths, jewelry, make-up, hair, nails, fake tans, bigger boobs for what then?
I think this new ad campaign will be even more successful than: “There is no substitute.”
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