[evo.theory] Evolution of Human Mate Choice

[Brett Calcott]

WHERE & WHEN:
The Evolutionary theory reading group will meet this Friday at 1pm in the
Gordon Childe room, which is in the A. D. Hope Building, room G28

The easiest way to get to the room is from the union quadrangle side, on
the upper level. Go in the side door and there should be a display case of
hominid skulls in front of you. Turn left down the corridor and the room
is on your left.


THIS WEEK:

Evolution of Human Mate Choice

David C Geary, Jacob Vigil, Jennifer Byrd-Craven. The Journal of Sex
Research. New York:  Feb 2004. Vol. 41, Iss. 1;  pg. 27, 16 pgs

GET IT HERE:

http://philrsss.anu.edu.au/~brett/evo.theory/hmc.pdf


ABSTRACT:

This article provides a review of evolutionary theory and empirical
research on mate choices in nonhuman species and uses it as a frame for
understanding the how and why of human mate choices. The basic principle
is that the preferred mate choices and attendant social cognitions and
behaviors of both women and men, and those of other species, have evolved
to focus on and exploit the reproductive potential and reproductive
investment of members of the opposite sex. Reproductive potential is
defined as the genetic, material, and/or social resources an individual
can invest in offspring, and reproductive investment is the actual use of
these resources to enhance the physical and social well-being of
offspring. Similarities and differences in the mate preferences and
choices of women and men are reviewed and can be understood in terms of
similarities and differences in the form of reproductive potential that
women and men have to offer and their tendency to use this potential for
the well-being of children.

-- 
Brett Calcott
Philosophy Program, RSSS, ANU
Canberra, ACT 0200, AUSTRALIA