The Myth of the 'Trophy Wife': Brains are Part of the Package, Too

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Notre Dame in Ohio shows that the common stereotype of a "trophy wife" may be more of a myth than an actual reality. 

In other words, this beautiful woman who allegedly lulls rich men into pursuing her is less likely to attract millionaires across the United States. Study findings, published in the American Sociological Review, found that typically, most men are looking for beauty, education and earnings, in a partner. 

For the research, lead study author and sociologist Elizabeth McClintock of the university examined this sexist stereotype by having young couples interview and rate the physical attractiveness of their significant other. According to McClintok, prior to her research, two important factors were relatively dismissed. 

"I find that handsome men partner with pretty women and successful men partner with successful women," says McClintock, who specializes in inequality within romantic partnerships, in a news release. "So, on average, high-status men do have better-looking wives, but this is because they themselves are considered better looking--perhaps because they are less likely to be overweight and more likely to afford braces, nice clothes and trips to the dermatologist, etc. Secondly, the strongest force by far in partner selection is similarity - in education, race, religion and physical attractiveness."

In other words, McClintock's research shows that there is typically not this general tendency for women to trade beauty for money.