Looking Beyond the Black Marriage Decline: Identifying What Black Males Prefer in a Wife (Mating) and Dating Partner

Abstract

Literature revealed a decline among all marriages, with a noticeably higher decrease within Black populations. While research has explored contributing factors to the Black marital decline and examined mating and dating preferences among college students, few have amplified the voices of Black heterosexual cis-gender males to acknowledge what is preferred in a partner. The aims of this study were to explore Black males’ preference in a long-term and short-term partner. A total of 246 self-identified heterosexual Black males were asked to evaluate 36 characteristics/traits from the Romantic Partner Preferences Scales (RPP) and 18 additional preferences developed from the Black Scholars’ Partner Preferences items (BSPP) to comprise the mating and dating preferences of heterosexual Black males over the age of 25. Paired sample t-tests denoted greater importance was given to 43 of the 54 preference items for a long-term partner as compared to a short-term partner. Loyal, faithful, understanding, and responsible were highly valued characteristics in a long-term partner, while sex appeal, physically attractive, healthy, and sexually available were valued in a short-term partner. Honesty and stable personality were highly valued irrespective of relationship type. Black males who identified as Christian valued the domains of status and wealth, good parenting, and spiritual values regardless of relationship type. This study demonstrated Black heterosexual males preferred internal characteristics in a long-term partner. Understanding Black males’ partner preferences based on relationship types may offer insight into Black males desires despite a marital decline among the Black population.

Plain Language Summary

For decades, the Black population has experienced a decline in marital rates. While researchers have investigated the underlying causes of this decline, there is limited knowledge regarding the preferences of Black males when dating or selecting a marital partner. This study sought to explore Black males’ preferences and determine if there are variations in their preferences based on whether the partner is long-term (marriage or mating) or short-term (dating). A total of 246 self-identified Black heterosexual cisgender males aged 25 and above completed the Romantic Partner Preferences (RPP) survey, which included character preferences such as loyalty, faithfulness, and healthy. In addition to rating the RPP items, participants rated items suggested by Black scholars (e.g., children from previous relationships, same race, shared culture). These Black scholars’ items were designed to enhance the RPP by incorporating items relevant to the Black community when dating or seeking a long-term partner. The results revealed distinct differences between what Black males desire in a long-term partner and a short-term partner. The article expands upon the discussion on marital decline by exploring the qualities that Black males value in both long-term and short-term partnerships. It provides a historical, contextual, and practical framework for understanding these preferences. This exploration may offer valuable insights for therapists who provide counseling to Black males and their female partners in both couples and individual therapy settings.