Português
Ciência-IUL
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Publication Detailed Description
The role of gender in online dating profiles: empirical evidence from the Portuguese context
Gender, Sexuality and the Body: Critical Perspectives
Year (definitive publication)
2014
Language
English
Country
Portugal
More Information
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Abstract
The aim of this research is to study the role gender plays in the construction of Portuguese
online dating profiles. How do daters use their self-presentation messages and profile pictures in
their quest to find a match? 200 personal ads and 1006 photographs of men and women profiles
were analyzed following a qualitative methodology. Findings reveal that, by means of a
selective self-presentation, masculine and feminine members try to please and attract potential
partners. Men emphasize their rational and practical attributes and their professional and
economic status, whereas women value their emotional and affective facets, and their
inclination to dream. Women also emphasize their physical attributes more than men. Although
it is possible to detect certain clues pointing toward modern gender roles, data suggests that
gender stereotypes persist.
Acknowledgements
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Keywords
Gender, Online dating, Self-presentation, Portugal
