Modern men are more likely to value women for their intelligence and character rather than their curves and cooking skills, a study has found.
Men, however, still need to take care of their own appearance, as 21st century women are becoming ever more swayed by physical attractiveness and less concerned with finding a wealthy husband, researchers said.
The study found that the narrowing of the gender gap in western countries means that the traditional priorities of both sexes when looking for a partner have shifted.
While men have learned to value women for more than just their curves, women’s increasing financial independence means a man’s appeal is no longer directly linked to the size of his wallet.
Women traditionally look for wealthy men who can provide for their children, but those in more equal countries showed less interest in money and placed more importance on appearance. “Our study suggests that increases in gender equality in the society around us can also change the way we think about the opposite sex. Men can relax about having to build up wealth but may benefit from looking after their looks a little more”.
