The Times Australia
The Times Lifestyle

.
Men's Weekly

.

Do men and women agree on how easy it is for each other to find a job or a date?

  • Written by Stephen Whyte, Deputy Director - Behavioural Economics, Society and Technology (BEST) Research Group. Chief-Investigator - ARC ITTC Centre for Behavioural Inisghts for Technology Adoption (BITA).), Queensland University of Technology

Typically, you don’t have to write a cover letter before attending a candlelit dinner. But there are some eerie emotional parallels between finding a job and finding a date.

Both can require you to put yourself “out there” in uncomfortable ways, brace yourself for repeated rejection and grapple with heartache.

On the flip side, success in either pursuit can significantly boost your confidence and sense of wellbeing – especially if it feels like a good fit.

This raises the question: do Australians really believe they have equal access to the labour and dating markets?

Our study, published[1] in the journal Evolutionary Psychology, examined this question in depth, shining a light on how these beliefs are linked, and where they differ.

Whether Australians’ perceptions of job and dating market access are completely accurate or not, they can certainly have a big impact on the choices we make and the way we behave in both our personal and professional lives.

Finding a job versus finding a date

We surveyed more than 1,000 online daters aged between 18 and 81. Our sample only included participants who described their sexual orientation as heterosexual and who identified as either male or female.

A couple shares a meal featuring pizza, fries, and drinks
Our study looked at people’s beliefs about how easy it was to find a job or find a date. Arthur Bargan/Shutterstock[2]

It’s important to understand that we were looking specifically at people’s perceptions of their access to these markets.

That is, we looked at what men and women believed about their own (and the opposite sex’s) ability to find a job or find a date.

We also examined what both sexes believed about women’s economic dependence on men.

On average, we found women think it’s easier for men to find a decently paying job. Women also think they’re less economically dependent on male partners than men think women are.

Both sexes agree it’s easier for women to find a date than men. But men think they have it much worse off on this metric than women think they do.

Where beliefs diverge

These perceptions begin to vary significantly with factors such as age, education, number of children and political orientation.

There are some big differences in how women perceive women’s economic dependence and ease of dating access at different stages of life.

Middle-aged men and women (aged 35 to 55 years) share similar perspectives on women’s economic dependence. This contrasts with younger and older women, who believe women are significantly less economically dependent on men.

Women believe they have an easier time finding a date as they age from 18 to 35 years old. This perception then declines sharply from 40 to 75 years or older.

These patterns align with evolutionary theories[3], suggesting that access to resources and shifting household dynamics at different life stages influence how men and women view the labour and dating markets.

Parents comforting their child at home
Shifting beliefs about access at different age levels may reflect changing household dynamics. aijiro/Shutterstock[4]

Intertwined ‘markets’

Importantly, we found that perceptions of labour and dating market access are intrinsically linked, and they tend to reflect broader economic conditions.

For instance, men in high-income areas think they have better job and dating opportunities, while those in areas with greater gender income disparities see women as more economically dependent.

On the flipside, women in higher-income areas think they are less economically dependent. And those in areas with lower gender gaps in income perceive women’s dating access to be greater.

This interplay of beliefs is also reflected in participants’ own dating preferences. Women who believe they are more economically dependent on men tend to seek a long-term male partner with greater earning potential than them.

On the other hand, men who expect to earn more than their ideal partner think it’s easier for men to find a date.

Human resource manager communicating with candidate across desk during job interview
Beliefs about how easy it is to find a job and find a date are linked. Drazen Zigic/Shutterstock[5]

Why does this all matter?

Economic growth is the way economists and politicians measure increases in our standard of living. It is primarily driven by consumption.

That’s everyday Australians buying their morning coffees at work, leg hams at Christmas time or splurging on a new cabana for the beach.

Historically, more consumers meant more consumption, which meant higher economic growth and an increased standard of living.

Many governments have recognised and acted on this link, encouraging Australians to have more children. Back in the early 2000s, for instance, the Howard government implemented the so-called “baby bonus”.

Peter Costello holds a young baby in a hospital
The Howard-era ‘baby bonus’ aimed to boost Australia’s fertility rate. Julian Smith/AAP[6]

Then-Treasurer Peter Costello famously asked the nation to “Have one for mum, one for dad, and one for the country”.

It worked, sort of. Australia’s birth rates increased modestly[7].

Fast forward to today, and these issues are just as relevant. Dating and job market choices still have a significant impact on Australian society, both economically and socially.

References

  1. ^ published (doi.org)
  2. ^ Arthur Bargan/Shutterstock (www.shutterstock.com)
  3. ^ evolutionary theories (journals.plos.org)
  4. ^ aijiro/Shutterstock (www.shutterstock.com)
  5. ^ Drazen Zigic/Shutterstock (www.shutterstock.com)
  6. ^ Julian Smith/AAP (photos.aap.com.au)
  7. ^ modestly (theconversation.com)

Read more https://theconversation.com/do-men-and-women-agree-on-how-easy-it-is-for-each-other-to-find-a-job-or-a-date-247235

Times Lifestyle

Boxer Star Harry Garside Champions Breathwork as a Game-Changer for Athletes

Olympic boxer Harry Garside is known for his unconventional approach to training but one practice has profoundly shifted his mindset and performance: breathwork. Moving from ballet to boxing, Harry, 27, was first introduced to Holotropic breathw...

Hampers With Bite - A box of life’s little luxuries

How do you acknowledge special moments, special someones, special achievements…or just give yourself a special treat? For all of the above, and more, you can turn to Hampers With Bite.I was lucky enough to be treated to a lovely box of selfcare goo...

Mind-Body Balance: The Holistic Approach of Personal Training in Moonee Ponds

Key Highlights Discover the benefits of a holistic approach to personal training in Moonee Ponds and nearby Maribyrnong, including residents from Strathmore. Learn how mind-body balance can enhance your overall well-being. Explore techniques f...

The Hidden Meaning Behind Popular Engagement Ring Cuts

When it comes to engagement rings, the cut of the diamond is not just about aesthetics. Each shape carries its own symbolism and significance, making it an important decision for couples looking to express their unique love stories. From the class...

The Power of Community: How Support Services Improve Lives for People with Disabilities

(Source) Community extends beyond geographic boundaries because it creates a sense of belonging, where individuals become both visible and heard through supportive networks. A suitable community guide has the power to significantly transform the liv...

How to Choose a Mattress for Back/Neck Pain and All Sleepers?

Waking up with a stiff neck or aching back can derail your entire day. If you're one of the millions struggling with chronic pain, a supportive mattress is more than a luxury – it's a necessity. But with countless options available, how do you choo...

Times Magazine

Effective Commercial Pest Control Solutions for a Safer Workplace

Keeping a workplace clean, safe, and free from pests is essential for maintaining productivity, protecting employee health, and upholding a company's reputation. Pests pose health risks, can cause structural damage, and can lead to serious legal an...

The Science Behind Reverse Osmosis and Why It Matters

What is reverse osmosis? Reverse osmosis (RO) is a water purification process that removes contaminants by forcing water through a semi-permeable membrane. This membrane allows only water molecules to pass through while blocking impurities such as...

Foodbank Queensland celebrates local hero for National Volunteer Week

Stephen Carey is a bit bananas.   He splits his time between his insurance broker business, caring for his young family, and volunteering for Foodbank Queensland one day a week. He’s even run the Bridge to Brisbane in a banana suit to raise mon...

Senior of the Year Nominations Open

The Allan Labor Government is encouraging all Victorians to recognise the valuable contributions of older members of our community by nominating them for the 2025 Victorian Senior of the Year Awards.  Minister for Ageing Ingrid Stitt today annou...

CNC Machining Meets Stage Design - Black Swan State Theatre Company & Tommotek

When artistry meets precision engineering, incredible things happen. That’s exactly what unfolded when Tommotek worked alongside the Black Swan State Theatre Company on several of their innovative stage productions. With tight deadlines and intrica...

Uniden Baby Video Monitor Review

Uniden has released another award-winning product as part of their ‘Baby Watch’ series. The BW4501 Baby Monitor is an easy to use camera for keeping eyes and ears on your little one. The camera is easy to set up and can be mounted to the wall or a...

The Times Features

Vietnam's "Gold Coast" Emerges as Extraordinary Investment Frontier and Australian Inspired Way of Life

$2 Billion super-city in Vung Tau set to replicate Australia's Gold Coast success story A culturally metamorphic development aptly named "Gold Coast" is set to reshape Vietna...

Choosing the Wrong Agent Is the #1 Regret Among Aussie Property Sellers

Selling your home is often one of the largest financial transactions you’ll make, and for many Australians, it’s also one of the most emotional. A new survey of Australian home se...

Travel Insurance for Families: What Does it Cover and Why it’s Essential

Planning a family trip is exciting, but unexpected mishaps can turn your dream vacation into a stressful ordeal. That’s where travel insurance comes in—it’s your safety net when ...

Essential Post-Surgery Care Tips for Dental Implants

Getting dental implants is a big investment—not just in your smile, but in your confidence too. But even the best implant won’t last without proper care right after surgery. Den...

First Home Buyers in Melbourne: 3 Key Statistics Proving Why Home & Land Packages Are Your Best Bet in 2025

Stepping into the Melbourne property market for the first time can feel like navigating a maze without a map. Prices, deposits, and decisions stack up fast. But here’s the good n...

International lager claims crown as Australia’s most preferred beer

Launching its inaugural ‘Brand Map of Australia’, Tracksuit reveals Corona as the nation’s most preferred beer  Sydney, Thursday, 29 May 2025 - From iconic mass-produced lager...