The Rise of the Sugar Mama Economy

What a shift in the dating preferences of younger men reveals about our changing norms.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 8:55am

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a single, iconic lipstick or cocktail glass repeated in a tight grid pattern, utilizing flat, vibrant, and unnatural neon color palettes overlapping with heavy black photographic outlines to turn everyday consumer habits into modern pop art.The vibrant rise of the 'sugar mama' economy reflects evolving gender dynamics and power structures in modern dating.NYC Today

More young men are seeking to date older women than ever before, with data showing a 64% increase in the past two years among 18-25-year-old men exclusively interested in dating women older than themselves. This trend is being driven by factors like dating app growth, changing gender norms, and women's increasing economic independence and social capital.

Why it matters

This shift in dating preferences highlights evolving social dynamics and power dynamics between men and women. It challenges traditional gender roles and notions of what constitutes an acceptable age gap in relationships, while also raising questions about the underlying motivations and potential power imbalances in these types of relationships.

The details

The dating app Feeld reported a 64% increase over the past two years in the number of men aged 18-25 who are exclusively interested in dating women older than themselves. This trend is being driven by factors like the toxic dating culture on social media, women's growing economic power and independence, and younger men's desire for emotional maturity and stability in relationships.

  • The dating app Feeld reported the 64% increase in the past two years.
  • The rise in these types of relationships has been reflected in recent films and TV shows over the past several years.

The players

Feeld

A dating app that reported a 64% increase over the past two years in the number of men aged 18-25 who are exclusively interested in dating women older than themselves.

Jamieson Webster

A writer and psychoanalyst who has been thinking about the cultural shifts behind this trend.

Emily Lebert

A New York Magazine writer who reported a story on the rise of older women dating younger men.

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The takeaway

This shift in dating preferences highlights the evolving power dynamics and gender norms in relationships, as women gain more economic and social independence. While these relationships may provide a sense of freedom and fulfillment for some, they also raise questions about potential power imbalances and the underlying motivations behind them.