According to a recent report by The New York Times, a survey of 552 heterosexual college students revealed that Zoomer men foot the bill for dates 90% of the time.
Conversely, Gen Z women paid for only 2% of their dates, while 8% were split evenly between genders. Professor Shanhong Luo, who conducted the research, noted that traditional dating patterns persist despite societal shifts in gender equality.
The Times highlighted the perspective of a 27-year-old woman who argued against the expectation for women to split the bill, citing factors such as the gender wage gap, the time spent preparing for outings, and higher expenses for reproductive care.
While some Gen Z women are hesitant to pay for dates, many young men willingly cover all expenses. For instance, Scott Bowen, 24, shared with The Times that he consistently covers the costs of drinks, meals, and coffees on dates, typically ranging from $70 to $100 per outing.
However, there is a notable sentiment among some men who feel offended or “angry” when a woman offers to contribute financially. Despite the evolving landscape of dating norms, the expectation for men to financially provide for their dates persists among certain demographics.
