http://psycnet.apa.org/index.cfm?fa=buy.optionToBuy&id=2010-22527-001
Peacocks, Porsches, and Thorstein Veblen: Conspicuous consumption as a sexual signaling system.
Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, Vol 100(4), Apr 2011, 664-680.
Abstract
Conspicuous consumption is a form of economic behavior in which self-presentational concerns override desires to obtain goods at bargain prices. Showy spending may be a social signal directed at potential mates. [...]
Rice University | News & Media
(press release)
According to the researchers, women found a man who chose to purchase a flashy luxury product (such as a Porsche) more desirable than the same man who purchased a non-luxury item (such as a Honda Civic). However, there was a catch: Although women found the flashy guys more desirable for a date, the man with the Porsche was not preferred as a marriage partner. Women inferred from a man's flashy spending that he was interested in uncommitted sex.
Does that match your experiences? I've been married for nearly 10 years (so far). My wife was aware of the cars when we were dating, but they weren't an important part of the dating process.
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