Socioeconomic Sorting in an Online Dating Experiment

• In Event: Desiring Intimacy

Abstract

While quantitative scholars have documented the high rates of intermarriage between multiracial White-Asian and White-Black adults and White adults in the U.S., we have limited information about how these groups are perceived by people on the dating market and how characteristics like educational attainment might shape their romantic partnerships. In this paper, I will examine the intersection of multiracial identity and educational attainment for multiracial Asian-White adults using data from a survey experiment that simulates online dating apps. Changing the education levels listed on the profiles of multiracial adults will allow me to test whether education is associated with a higher likelihood of someone choosing them as a potential match. Additionally, the multiple dimensions of the education variable (e.g., high school degree, bachelor’s degree in computer science and bachelor’s degree in English) will help me determine if the decisions made by respondents indicate preferences based on economic potential. Ultimately, this intersection will help distinguish whether multiracial identity or education is more important when selecting potential dates on apps.

Author

• Taylor Aquino, University of California-Los Angeles