Abstract:

The present study utilizes data collected from an online dating service (N = 800) in order to analyze these patterns of ethnicity-based preferences sought for dating partners. The results from the analysis indicate that while the majority of dating individuals still express a preference for dating within their own racial and ethnic categories, a clear majority are nonetheless willing to date individuals of other races and ethnicities. Across the four categories used in this study, several clear patterns of selectivity are demonstrated. Overall, females tended to express the greatest preference for dates with the same ethnicity, as compared to males. Among Asians, however, males were slightly more likely to desire a same-ethnicity partner than were their female counterparts. African-American and White females, in particular, were considerably more likely to desire a same-ethnicity partner. Logistic analysis of overall homogamy preferences suggest that race and ethnicity, while significant predictors of mate characteristics selectivity, are typically secondary to other sociodemographic characteristics.