evolutionary explanations for partner preferences Flashcards
what is evolution?
the process by which a species adapts to its environment through natural selection
how is evolution related to relationships?
- characteristics which aid the survival of the species are passed on in the genetic material from one generation to the next
- through reproduction, males and females select partners to improve the chances of reproductive success
what is anisogamy?
the differences between male and female sex cells
what are the differences between male and female sex cells?
- females have eggs, and males have sperm
- eggs are static, and sperm is mobile
- eggs are produced at intervals for a limited number of years, and sperm is continuously produced
what is sexual selection?
the characteristics that increase chances of reproduction
what are the two types of sexual selection?
intersexual competition, and intrasexual competition
what is intersexual competition?
when individuals of one sex compete to find a male of the other sex
what is intrasexual competition?
competition for mates within the same gender
what is the process of male sexual selection?
- males do better if they reproduce as frequently as possible
- competition is a necessity, as females are a limited resource
- males who compete successfully pass on their genes to the next generation, which means those traits are passed on
what is the process of female sexual selection?
- females are more choosy than males
- they invest more time and resources before, during, and after a birth
- they seek a male who will provide healthy offspring, protect them, and support them
what do women look for in a mate?
- men with a firm bum and large chest
- a high shoulder to waist ratio - 1.6
- mature faces, a square jaw, and signs of testosterone
- good financial prospects
what do men look for in a mate?
- predominantly more concerned with weight
- a low waist to hip ratio - 0.7
- youthful faces, large and widely separated eyes, and a small nose and chin
- more importance on physical attraction
a strength of the evolutionary explanation is that there is supporting evidence:
- buss surveyed over 10000 adults in 33 countries about partner preferences
- he found that females valued resources related characteristics more than males - males valued reproductive capacity
- findings show strong cross-cultural evidence
- counterpoint - lacks validity as mate preferences are being measured, so the study may represent cultural norms
a weakness of the evolutionary explanation is that there is gender bias:
- it emphasises the differences between male and female selection, known as alpha bias
- this can lead to a distorted view of gender behaviour, ignoring any overlapping preferences or the influence of cultural and individual factors
- the study also over-emphasises biological drivers but overlook the roles of socialisation, cultural norms, and changing societal attitudes - may be influenced by evolutionary and cultural factors
a weakness of the evolutionary approach is that it suffers from evolutionary reductionism:
- they argue that strategies for choosing a mate are the result of genetic inheritance
- however, in real life, individual differences in a partner’s choice play a huge role
- e.g. homosexual relationships cannot be explained, as a choice in partner does not result in reproductive success
- it may not fully explain how relationships are formed and maintained
- counterpoint - reductionism allows us to identify cause and effect and predict how relationships may arise
a weakness of the evolutionary explanation is that there is contradictory evidence:
- bereczkei found that women now look for men who are family orientated, suggesting that resources are no longer an important factor in terms of mate selection
- this weakens the explanatory power of the evolutionary explanation - women are less concerned about resources when finding a partner
