Sexuality is a complex and multi-faceted part of human identity, and the fact that it has remained largely unchanged through centuries of progress has long been a source of fascination and debate. The evolutionary theory of sexuality is one way of looking at this phenomenon, analyzing sexual behavior through the lens of natural selection and adaptation. In this article, we’ll explore the evolutionary psychologist’s interpretation of sex, relationships, gender, and more. We’ll also discuss some of the criticisms of the evolutionary perspective on sexuality.
What is the Evolutionary Theory of Sexuality?
Evolutionary psychology is based on the idea that humans are the product of millions of years of natural selection and adaptation, and that this process remains an active part of our lives today. To understand sexuality through this lens, one must first understand the concept of reproductive success. According to evolutionary psychology, the goal of individuals is to succeed in reproducing and passing their genes on to the next generation. That is why humans tend to favor traits and behaviors that increase their chances of success. Thus, from a reproductive success standpoint, the goal of sexual behavior is always the same: to secure a healthy, successful partner and to reproduce.
How do Evolutionary Psychologists Explain Sex Differences in Sexuality?
The evolutionary perspective on sexuality tells us that sexual behavior is largely determined by evolutionary principles of reproductive success. This means that when it comes to sex, males and females may exhibit different behaviors driven by the different pressures that face each gender in the struggle for reproductive success. For example, evolutionary psychologists explain the fact that males often engage in more promiscuous behavior than females with the notion that males can potentially reproduce with more partners in a shorter period of time, while females take on the burden of pregnancy and long-term child-rearing.
How Does Evolutionary Psychology Explain Gender?
Evolutionary psychology also provides a framework for why humans are organized into two distinct sexes, and why gender differences exist in both behavior and appearance. According to evolutionary psychologists, gender differences arise from different pressures placed on each sex during the process of reproduction. Males, for example, show an evolutionary tendency to be more aggressive since aggression is often related to winning sexual partners and access to resources. Females, on the other hand, show an evolutionary preference for less aggressive behaviors since nurturing and care-taking are important for reproductive success.
What is a Criticism of the Evolutionary Perspective on Sexuality?
One criticism of the evolutionary perspective on sexuality is that it can lead to deterministic thinking, which suggests that human behavior is predetermined by evolutionary processes and is not malleable or subject to change. This can lead to biological essentialism, which is the view that the biological sex of an individual creates essential differences between the sexes, even if those differences do not necessarily reflect reality. Additionally, evolutionary psychology ignores social and cultural factors that have shaped human sexuality, such as the institution of marriage, gender roles, and religious beliefs. As
Dr. David Buss, a professor of evolutionary psychology at the University of Texas has said, “Evolutionary theory is concerned with the ultimate causal forces that have shaped human psychology. It is not concerned with intermediate social and cultural causes that might also be operative.”
In conclusion, evolutionary theory provides a valuable way of understanding human sexuality, but it is important to remember that our behavior is shaped by a complex set of factors, only some of which can be explained by evolutionary psychology.
References
- Buss, D.M. (1995). Evolutionary psychology: A new paradigm for psychological science. Psychological Inquiry, 6 (1), 1-30.
- Laland, K.N., Odling-Smee, J., & Feldman, M.W. (2000). Niche construction, ancestor-descendant relations and selectionism. Trends in ecology and evolution, 15 (11), 438-444.
- Schmitt, D.P. (2005). Adaptations, modules, and contests: Controversies in evolutionary psychology. Quarterly Review of Biology, 80 (1), 37-54.