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Gender differences in mate search effort: an exploratory economic analysis of personal advertisements

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  • Paul Butler-Smith
  • Samuel Cameron
  • Alan Collins

Abstract

As a logical extension to the microeconomic analysis of human relationships, this study examines the actual method of mate search, in particular the use of personal advertisements. Some empirical support is found for Becker's (1973, 1974) explanations of mating strategy, but in relation to the level of search effort by gender, the results are not so clearly in accordance with his thinking.

Suggested Citation

  • Paul Butler-Smith & Samuel Cameron & Alan Collins, 1998. "Gender differences in mate search effort: an exploratory economic analysis of personal advertisements," Applied Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 30(10), pages 1277-1285.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:applec:v:30:y:1998:i:10:p:1277-1285
    DOI: 10.1080/000368498324896
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Barbara R. Bergmann, 1996. "Becker’s Theory of the Family: Preposterous Conclusions," Challenge, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 39(2), pages 9-12, March.
    2. Samuel Cameron & Alan Collins, 1997. "Estimates of a Hedonic Ageing Equation for Partner Search," Kyklos, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 50(3), pages 409-418, August.
    3. Ken Burdett & Melvyn G. Coles, 1997. "Marriage and Class," The Quarterly Journal of Economics, President and Fellows of Harvard College, vol. 112(1), pages 141-168.
    4. repec:bla:kyklos:v:50:y:1997:i:3:p:409-18 is not listed on IDEAS
    5. Cameron, Samuel & Collins, Alan, 1997. "Transaction costs and partnerships: The case of rock bands," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 32(2), pages 171-183, February.
    6. Anthony Downs, 1957. "An Economic Theory of Political Action in a Democracy," Journal of Political Economy, University of Chicago Press, vol. 65(2), pages 135-135.
    7. Skaperdas, Stergios & Gan, Li, 1995. "Risk Aversion in Contests," Economic Journal, Royal Economic Society, vol. 105(431), pages 951-962, July.
    8. Becker, Gary S, 1973. "A Theory of Marriage: Part I," Journal of Political Economy, University of Chicago Press, vol. 81(4), pages 813-846, July-Aug..
    9. Becker, Gary S, 1974. "A Theory of Marriage: Part II," Journal of Political Economy, University of Chicago Press, vol. 82(2), pages 11-26, Part II, .
    10. Gary S. Becker, 1974. "A Theory of Marriage," NBER Chapters, in: Economics of the Family: Marriage, Children, and Human Capital, pages 299-351, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
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    Cited by:

    1. Collins, Alan & Judge, Guy, 2008. "Client participation in paid sex markets under alternative regulatory regimes," International Review of Law and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 28(4), pages 294-301, December.
    2. Vaillant, Nicolas G., 2004. "Estimating the time elapsed between ending a relationship and joining a matchmaking agency: Evidence from a French marriage bureau," Journal of Economic Psychology, Elsevier, vol. 25(6), pages 789-802, December.

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • C90 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - General
    • C92 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Laboratory, Group Behavior

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