THE STRUGGLE IS REAL: THE DATING DILEMMA FOR EDUCATED BLACK WOMEN INTERESTED IN EDUCATED BLACK MEN

There is a disparity in the Black community such that educated Black women outnumber educated Black men. This becomes a concern for Black women when trying to find a potential mate of similar racial identity and educational background. The present study seeks to assess the dating dilemma for educated Black women (Bachelor’s level degree and above) by examining their satisfaction with the dating pool, possible responses to the disparity, and the importance of their potential mate’s race and education level. A 26-item questionnaire was dispersed to 227 Black women regarding dating preferences and responses to the disparity. Results indicate a statistical significance for the importance of both, a partner’s race and education level. Almost half (48%) of these Black women expressed dissatisfaction with the dating pool but this was not statistically significant. Dating higher than one’s preferred age range was the most endorsed response to the dating dilemma. Overall, women expressed an endorsement for the education level of their partner being more important than race, but only slightly. Future research and implications are discussed.