Humans, Deer, and Sea Dragons: How Evolutionary Psychology Has Misconstrued Human Sex Differences
Evolutionary psychology (EP), as currently practiced, often relies on a model of human mating that likens us to peacocks and deer, in which males compete for ac- cess to females and females choose (MCFC). Stewart- Williams and Thomas eloquently present arguments that human courtship is more akin to that of sea drag- ons and grebs than it is to peacocks with their beau- tiful strutting males and drab choosy females. Both women and men have the capacity to form emotional bonds with sexual partners and both exercise consider- able choice over romantic partners (mutual mate choice [MMC]). The fact that unrequited love is not the sole province of one sex highlights this. Although human flirting may not be as synchronized as the dance of sea dragons, it still requires active participation from both parties.
2015/04/17
