A new research establishes that men who own flashy cars are viewed as more sexually promiscuous than those who opted to invest in the more practical purchase.
The finding contradicts the common notion that women are more attracted to men with sports cars or to men who flamboyantly display their wealth, says Jessica Kruger of the University of Buffalo. Before this study, the general view was that women are attracted to such men because they attributed their material flamboyancy as an indication that they can provide better for future children.
The study, however, revealed that women would only find showy men attractive if the women themselves are in for brief sexual encounters. Otherwise, they perceived these men as not "the one" they would want to raise their future families with.
Men And Cars
The participants of the study, both men and women, were asked to answer an anonymous online survey rating two men who bought their respective cars. Both men spent the same budget, but their purchasing decision differs.
One man spent the whole budget for a new car that he thinks will be reliable.
The other bought a used car with the portion of the budget but spent his remaining money overhauling the car with a new paint, larger wheels, and an impressive sound system.
The participants were asked to rate each man with regard to dating and parenting behaviors, their interest in relationships, and their attractiveness to others.
Spontaneous Perception
The participants intuitively perceived the second man as more leaning toward lust than real love. The second man might have scored higher in terms of his effort to secure a girl, but he rated low for his willingness to commit to a lifetime partner.
"[The] display of goods featuring exaggerated sensory properties have reproductive strategies with higher mating effort and greater interest in short-term sexual relationships," explains Daniel Kruger of the University of Michigan. He adds that these men are also perceived as most likely to be disengaged with future financial obligations as parents.
On the other hand, the first man who invested the same amount of money to purchase a more dependable car scored much higher in each of the categories. In fact, he was rated as a potential life partner, parent, and good provider.
Ultimately, the study, published in Evolutionary Psychological Science, showed a better understanding of how human psychology and behavior correlates to technological advancement and attitude within wealthy societies.
