Jane Austen's dictum that "a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife" might not be as outmoded as one would expect, according to easier.com.
Dr Jack Boyle, a chartered psychologist based in Glasgow, told the website that most women share the pragmatic, materialistic approach of Lizzie Bennett when it comes to dating
.
Dr Boyle said: "While men go for physical attraction in selecting a partner, women often select their mate on their prospects of financial security."
However, though men are less interested in their potential spouses' earning power and occupation, the majority will marry within their social class and so financial status is an important factor for both sexes when searching for love.
Jim Spowart, chairman of price comparisons website Peopleschampion.com, said Dr Boyle's conclusions have important implications.
"There is a serious point to this piece of fun. Saving up to buy your first home has become increasingly more difficult as prices and interest rates have risen, so young people really have to put more money away to make the leap onto the housing ladder.
"Perhaps you should be looking for a partner who shares your desire to watch their money and own their own home."
