Press Release

Perceived Opportunities on the Dating Market Are Linked to Different Forms of Sexism

A recent study from Åbo Akademi University identifies clear gender differences in the relationship between sexism and dating. The study also suggests that political ideology plays a significant role, as more conservative individuals tend to display higher levels of sexism.

The study draws on self-reported data from 1,604 Finnish adults, who provided demographic information and details of their political ideology, as well as information on their partner-seeking status, perceptions of gender balance in their social networks, availability of potential partners, perceived partner value, levels of sexism, and beliefs about sexism shifts.

Partner value refers to the possession of characteristics that make an individual more or less desirable as a potential partner, which in turn may influence partner availability, that is, perceived opportunities to meet potential partners. Previous research suggests that lower partner value is associated with higher levels of sexism.

Sexism was divided into two dimensions: hostile sexism and benevolent sexism. Hostile sexism, or misogyny, refers to overtly negative and prejudiced attitudes towards women, whereas benevolent sexism reflects a subjectively positive yet patronising view of women. The concept of “sexism shift” refers to the belief that society has shifted from disadvantaging women to disadvantaging men.

Overall, the results revealed clear gender differences in levels of sexism. On average, men report higher levels of hostile sexism than women do. The study also indicates that political ideology plays a significant role.

“Individuals with more conservative political views exhibit higher levels of both hostile and benevolent sexism. In addition, we found a link between conservative political ideology and a stronger belief in the so-called sexism shift, that is, the view that sexism in contemporary society affects men more than women,” says Catharina Walldén, a doctoral researcher in psychology at Åbo Akademi University.

The study also indicates that perceived opportunities in the dating market are associated with various forms of sexism. Individuals who perceived greater opportunities to meet a partner, as well as single participants who reported having encountered more potential partners, exhibited higher levels of hostile sexism, underlining the influence of personal experiences on broader societal attitudes.

“This finding is consistent with previous research linking hostile sexism to relationship insecurity and fears of exploitation or rejection in romantic contexts. One possible interpretation is that frequent encounters with potential partners heighten the sense of competition in the dating market, which in turn may reinforce mistrust and negative attitudes towards the opposite sex,” says Walldén.

“By demonstrating how personal dating and partner-formation experiences can reinforce or challenge both benevolent and hostile gender attitudes, the study provides new insights into how gender, political values, and everyday relationship experiences interact to shape views on gender equality in Finland,” says Walldén.

The full article, Are Difficulties in Finding a Romantic Partner Linked to Sexist Beliefs? is available here.

Enquiries:
Catharina Walldén, doctoral researcher in psychology, Åbo Akademi University
email: catharina.wallden@abo.fi