Los Angeles: People are more likely to be asked out on a second date if they are genetically predisposed to have traits consistent with prevailing gender norms like social dominance in men and submissiveness in women, scientists have found.
Researchers at University of California, Irvine wanted to find if mate selection could be influenced by people's ability to quickly detect socially designated "good genes." They turned to speed-dating to test their predictions in a real-life scenario. In such meet-ups, participants only had a few minutes to assess the short- and long-term potential of their speed-dating partners, and to decide whether or not to offer their partners a second date.
Researchers recruited 262 single Asian Americans to have three-minute dates with members of the opposite sex. After each speed-date, participants were asked whether or not they wanted to offer their partner a second date, and how desirable they found the person as a romantic partner.
Researchers found that participants who were more likely to be asked on a second date had genotypes consistent with personal traits that people often desire in a romantic partner - social dominance/leadership in men, social
sensitivity/submissiveness in women. When examining the DNA samples, the researchers focused on two polymorphisms (on two different genes) that were
previously linked to social dynamics.
The -1438 A/G polymorphism is part of the genetic make-up of the serotonin system and has been linked to social dominance and leadership. The A118G polymorphism, which has been linked to social sensitivity, is part of the opioid receptor gene that contributes to people's capacity to experience social pleasure
and pain, and their need to have social contact.
Researchers found that men and women with genotypes consistent with prevailing gender norms were more likely to receive second date offers. They were also seen as more desirable short- and long-term romantic partners. When it came to -1438 A/G, men who carried its G-allele variation were rated as more desirable potential mates and were more likely to receive second date offers.
In contrast, women who carried this G-allele were more likely to be given the cold shoulder by men. With A118G, women with the G-allele enjoyed greater
speed-dating success. However, their male counterparts were not as lucky. Men with this G-allele were less desirable to their speed-dating partners. This genetic effect could extend beyond romantic attraction to other social situations, such as job interviews, the researchers said. The study was published in the journal Human Nature.
