Lesson 2: Mate Selection Theories

Question 1

name the mate selection theories

Answer 1

• evolutionary psychology
• social homogamy
• ideal mate
• fair exchange

Question 2

evolutionary psychology

Answer 2

• motivated to start family = find qualities percieved as healthy/fertile nd who they can have kids w/
• women invest more in parenting (pregnancy) = more selective in mates to ensure fathers stay
• men likely to use short-term mating strategies to increase reproductive success nd continue human race

Question 3

wht do women want according to evolutionary psychology? (8)

Answer 3

• resources
• status
• wealth
• protection
• committed
• hardworking/determined
• older
• strong/aggressive

Question 4

wht do men want according to evolutionary psychology?

Answer 4

• fertility/physically healthy
• younger
• hourglass figure
• shiny hair
• clear skin

Question 5

example of evolutionary psychology

Answer 5

• casual physical relationships
• arranged marriage

Question 6

social homogamy

Answer 6

• ppl select partners based on similarities
• ppl tend to meet potential partners in social circles
• sameness ensures compatibility/understanding of each other

Question 7

what factors might be considered in social homogamy (8)

Answer 7

• appearance
• race
• education
• economic status
• age
• work
• religion
• neighbourhood

Question 8

why is social homogamy good

Answer 8

• share resources better
• less conflict over values/expectation differences
• raise children easily as per cultural expectations

Question 9

ideal mate

Answer 9

• ppl attracted to individuals tht fit their mold of ideal mate (image of perf. partner)
• shaped by early life experiences: qualities of fam members, social influences (social media), and cultural ideas (beauty/wealth)
• negative dating experiences help identify deal breakers

Question 10

social homogamy example

Answer 10

• dating a classmate
• arranged marriage for culture

Question 11

ideal mate example

Answer 11

• online datin

Question 12

fair exchange

Answer 12

• ppl drawn to partners who provide something in return
• done by evaluating wht each person brings to relationhip to ensure equity/balance
• supports “opposites attract”

Question 13

benefit of fair exchange

Answer 13

enhances attraction/relationship stability due to mutual exchange

Question 14

example of fair exchange

Answer 14

• dating an ex (compromise)
• dating a friend