Racial Preferences in Dating: Evidence from a Speed Dating Experience

Abstract

We examine racial preferences in dating using data that allow for the direct observation of decisions of randomly paired individuals in a Speed Dating experiment. Females exhibit stronger racial preferences than males. Furthermore, we observe stronger same race preferences for blacks and Asians than for Hispanics and whites. Accounting for self-reported shared interests considerably reduces the observed effect of racial preferences.

Authors: Sheena Iyengar , Emir Kamenica, and Itamar Simonson

Format: Working Paper

Publication Date: January 1, 2005

Full Citation

Iyengar, Sheena, Emir Kamenica, and Itamar Simonson

. Racial Preferences in Dating: Evidence from a Speed Dating Experience. January 01, 2005.