Midlife Singles’ Willingness to Date Partners With Heterogeneous Characteristics

This study was a secondary data analysis of a midlife adults' (40 - 69 years) survey. The sample (N = 3,501) was recruited via telephone and completed an American Association for Retired Persons survey via the Internet. This study explored how sexual attitudes and demographic characteristics (e.g., age, gender, prior marital status) were associated with willingness to date heterogeneous partners (e.g., date partners of a different race, religion, with much less money). Results showed that never-married singles, men, and sexually permissive individuals were more willing to date such partners. Implications for research and practice are noted. Key Words: aging, gender differences, sexuality, singlehood, social relations across the life course. Researchers have examined extensively individuals' preferences in potential dating partners. Dating is defined as leisure time spent with a heterosexual partner to create social interactions that are mutually enjoyable (e.g., Cooksey, Mott, & Neubauer, 2002). Prior dating studies have often focused on factors such as personal traits, similarity of self/partner perceptions (Katz & Beach, 2000), and physical attractiveness (Greitemeyer, 2005). Much of the research addresses similarities (between individuals and hypothetical partners), but it can be equally valuable to examine differences. In light of increased multiculturalism in the United States, some individuals might be willing to date or be interested in dating partners of a different race/ethnicity (Steinbugler, 2005), religion (Hernandez & Wilson, 2007; Horowitz, 1999), or income level/social class (Greitemeyer). Such differences reflect dimensions of heterogeneity. There are changing social trends that could facilitate heterogeneous dating among midlife adults. For example, adults are living longer, so single adults can anticipate more years to seek dating partners. Wray (2007) noted that greater awareness/openness toward multiculturalism also affects the life choices of middle-aged adults. In addition, there are declining barriers to post-marital relationships (e.g., de Jong Gierveld, 2004), so that individuals have more freedom to pursue diverse dating options after a prior relationship has ended. The purpose of the present study was to examine midlife adults' willingness to date partners with heterogeneous (i.e., different racial, religious, or income) characteristics. Guided by social exchange and marriage market principles, this study examined the extent to which there were group differences (e.g., age, gender, singlehood type) in dating willingness. If group differences emerged, then the findings would elucidate the diversity in midlife adults' social preferences. An enhanced understanding of their interests could make it easier for community professionals to target relational programs for midlife single adults. Willingness To Date "Willingness" to date heterogeneous partners (or heterogeneous dating) is represented by the self-chosen likelihood or desire to date others who differ on demographics factors such as race, religion, or socioeconomic status (SES; Greitemeyer, 2005; Yancey, 2007). Willingness is defined as receptiveness to opportunities that are offered to individuals (Cleveland, Gibbons, Gerrard, Pomery, & Brody, 2004). As dating involves a degree of intentionahty, the willingness or reason for heterogeneous dating is a factor within individuals' control (Fujino, 1997). Thus, willingness is likely a precondition to interracial or interreligious dating/marriage (Yancey). Race, religion, and economics are critical factors because they are more stable than other social factors (e.g., hobbies), reflected in public activities of daily Ufe, and are often used in initial judgments of others (Ritts, Patterson, & Tubbs, 1992). Yancey suggested that there is an immediacy to consideration of potential partners' race and religion when making dating choices. In contrast to other personal information (e. …