Research has attempted to assess which mate preferences men and women prioritize when selecting mates. Such studies typically involve an element of forced choice, such as asking participants to "design" their ideal partner using a fixed budget. When budgets are small, participants tend to prioritise those characteristics historically necessary for successful reproduction and relationship functioning - including physical attractiveness, social status, and kindness.Li, N. P., Bailey, J. M., Kenrick, D. T., & Linsenmeier, J. A. W. (2002). The necessities and luxuries of mate preferences: Testing the tradeoffs. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 82, 947-955. doi: 10.1037/0022-3514.82.6.947. One cross-cultural study found similar prioritisation patterns in both Eastern (e.g., Malaysia, Singapore) and Western (e.g., the United Kingdom, Australia, Norway) cultures.
