Desirable but not smart: preference for smarter romantic partners impairs women's STEM outcomes

Abstract

Although women today excel in many areas of society, they are often underrepresented in the traditionally male-dominated fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). The present research examined whether traditional romantic partner preferences-specifically, a desire to date partners who are smarter than oneself-affects women's tendency to minimize their intelligence in STEM fields when pursuing romantic goals. Women (but not men) who preferred smarter romantic partners showed worse math performance (Studies 1-2), less identification with math (Study 2), and less interest in STEM careers (Study 3) when the goal to be romantically desirable was activated. A meta-analysis across studies supported results. This research thus demonstrates that partner preferences influence women's STEM outcomes in response to romantic goal pursuit.

A Cultural Psychological Model of Cross-National Variation in Gender Gaps in STEM Participation

“…The researchers considered this preference to be reflection of internalized traditional gender norms. Indeed, when the goal of being romantically desirable was activated, women who showed preference for smarter mates reported less interest in STEM careers (Park et al, 2016).…”

Selves in contact: how integrating perspectives on sociocultural selves and intergroup contact can inform theory and application on reducing inequality

“…Similar positive effects of intergroup contact are seen when linked to academic access and achievement. For example, women's math performance was found to increase when anticipating an interaction or actually engaging in an interaction with a nonsexist man, compared to a sexist man (Adams et al, 2006;Logel et al, 2009; see also Park, Young, Eastwick, Troisi, & Streamer, 2016). Even across social class lines, intergroup interactions can negatively affect cognitive resources among first-generation college students at elite institutions, yet contact situations that reduce concerns about competency can alleviate cognitive depletion (Johnson, Richeson, & Finkel, 2011).…”

The Status of Women in STEM in Higher Education: A Review of the Literature 2007–2017

“…Park et al (2016) even found women (but not men) were more likely to show worse mathematics performance and less interest in STEM careers to seem desirable when pursuing smarter romantic partners on campus. Women in STEM also face stereotypes regarding appearances and behavior, whereas by appearing too feminine they signal they may not be well suited for science (Banchefsky et al 2016.…”