https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2016.01.053
The authors provided a report on the evolution of mating psychology and current cultural values in Brazilian society across the period of three decades. Using a ranking and a rating, they compared their recent Brazilian sample (n = 1186) to a Brazilian sample (n = 630) studied thirty years before.
Based on their analysis, the authors reported that mate preferences for mutual attraction and love, generosity, and intelligence remained essential across time and remained relatively stable. Sex differences in partner choices for reproductive markers (relative youth, physical beauty) and resources (earning capacity, financial prospects, social position) were also rather stable across time.
However, for both men and women, several changes in mate choices have arisen throughout time, including a larger preference for partners with solid financial prospects and a sharp fall in the desire for children.
Summarizing, the authors noted that:
Mate preferences for love, kindness, and intelligence stayed relatively consistent in Brazil over that period.
Men and women shoed the same sex differences in preferences for youth, attractiveness, and resources as thirsty years before.
Dramatic decrease in desire for children and the increased desire for financial resources were the major cultural changes over time.
The authors concluded the relevance of mate choices as windows into evolved mating psychology and both the expression and reflection of cultural values.