There are numerous studies that explore the influence of socioeconomic factors such as income level, education, occupation, marital status, age, gender, and race on the formation of romantic partnerships. It is generally assumed that people from lower socioeconomic backgrounds have more difficulties finding quality partners due to their limited access to resources and opportunities.
Low-income individuals may find it harder to attract potential mates because they lack financial stability, social connections, and educational attainment.
Recent research suggests that individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds tend to seek out emotionally dependent relationships with partners who can provide emotional support and security, even if this means sacrificing personal autonomy and freedom. This trend raises questions about how socioeconomics affect relationship choices and why individuals prioritize emotional security over other aspects of compatibility.
Researchers have explored the correlation between social class and intimate relationships in various ways. One study examined data from the National Survey of Family Growth, which gathered information from 10,286 adults aged 15–49 years old across the United States. The results showed that respondents who had a household income below $30,000 annually were more likely to be single than those who earned above $75,000. Similarly, another study analyzed data from the General Social Survey (GSS) and found that individuals with lower levels of education and income were less likely to be married or cohabiting compared to those with higher levels.
In addition to economic factors, research has also investigated the impact of education on dating preferences. A study conducted by Liu et al. used survey data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health and found that college-educated men and women are less likely to marry someone without a college degree than those with similar educational backgrounds. Another study examined the mate selection process among high school graduates and found that they preferred partners with at least some postsecondary education. These studies suggest that people may value education as a signifier of socioeconomic status and seek out mates with similar resources and opportunities.
Recent research suggests that individuals from low socioeconomic backgrounds tend to emphasize emotional security in their relationship choices.
One study looked at data from 2,543 heterosexual couples in Canada and discovered that participants from lower socioeconomic classes were more likely to report being dependent on their partner for financial support, emotional care, and decision-making. In contrast, individuals from higher social classes prioritized romantic attraction and intimacy over reliance on their partner's resources. The authors argue that this pattern is driven by the need for emotional stability and support due to limited access to external resources.
Another study examined the relationship between marital quality and socioeconomic factors in a large sample of American couples (N 1098). They found that income level was not associated with marital satisfaction or commitment but that other measures of socioeconomic status such as education and occupation played an important role. Specifically, respondents who held advanced degrees reported greater marital happiness compared to those with only a high school diploma or no formal education. This suggests that while economic hardship can be stressful for couples, it does not necessarily mean that they are unhappy or dissatisfied. Instead, factors such as educational attainment and occupational prestige may play a larger role in predicting relationship success.
There is evidence to suggest that individuals from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds seek out emotionally dependent relationships to provide them with the stability and security they lack elsewhere.
Further research is needed to understand why people make these choices and whether they are beneficial in the long term. It may be helpful to explore how different aspects of socioeconomics influence dating preferences and relationship quality beyond just income level and educational attainment.
Future studies should examine how cultural norms and societal expectations shape relationship dynamics among various groups.
Does socioeconomic insecurity accelerate the pursuit of emotionally dependent relationships?
Some researchers believe that experiencing chronic financial hardship can lead individuals to seek out close relationships as they may feel more secure when they have someone to rely on. This is because emotionally dependent relationships provide a sense of stability and security that can help alleviate stress caused by economic uncertainty.