Gender differences in life choices
Gender differences in life choices

Summary/Abstract: The purpose of this study is to investigate the differences between men and women regarding their romantic and professional choices. A sample of 60 young women and a sample of 60 young men participated in an experiment to assess the likelihood of settling for less‑desired romantic partners and jobs when their ideal romantic partner and job were difficult to attain. The experiment asked them to write down the five most important attributes of their ideal romantic partner; afterward, they were told they could stay with that partner if they spent six months in jail as opposed to staying with a partner that possesses the last three attributes they mentioned. The same procedure was applied to choosing a job. The results indicated that men were more likely to settle for a less than ideal partner, whereas women were more willing to overcome the proposed obstacle in order to stay with their desired romantic partner; when presented with the same two options regarding their ideal job, both men and women chose to overcome the imposed obstacle in order to obtain their ideal job. The attachment style of the participants had an influence only on the participants’ choices regarding their romantic long term ideal partner. The results are discussed in the light of their contribution to gender differences research, work‑family enrichment and ways of coping with work‑family conflict.

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