Muggleton, Naomi K. (2019) Ecological Predictors of Reproductive Strategies. PhD thesis, University of Warwick.

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Abstract

Since Charles Darwin’s insights into sexual selection, evolutionary psychologists have shown that human reproductive strategies are dynamic, context-dependent, and adaptive. The study of evolution and human behaviour has typically categorised adaptations as occurring at the individual level (within-subjects), as individual differences (between-subjects), or at the regional level (cross-cultural). These approaches are reviewed in Chapter 1.

To assess the extent to which individuals modify their mating strategies, Chapter 2 tests women’s propensity to vary their mate preferences across different relationship types. The results indicate that women who are less experienced sexually are less likely to vary their reproductive strategies when seeking a short- vs. long-term partner.

Although flexible mating strategies have been traditionally viewed as adaptive, there could be some circumstances when variation in mate behaviour is costly. Chapter 3 explores the role of social conservatism in modifying mate preference. The results indicate that men and women are less inclined to vary their short- and long-term mating behaviour when there are social taboos surrounding sexual values.

These findings indicate that conservative cultures suppress sexual behaviour. I explore the implications of this in Chapter 4, where I ask whether men or women promote the sexual double standard. Here I find that both sexes are less altruistic to, and less trusting of, women that signal sexual promiscuity. Women, but not men, are driven by intrasexual competition, such that they are willing to inflict punishment on sexualised peers, even when it is costly to do so.

Chapters 2-4 use experimental methods to uncover individual-level variation in mate preferences and sexual attitudes. Chapter 5 investigates the role of socioecological factors in shaping gender attitudes. The results highlight the importance of environmental harshness, inequality, and economic opportunities in fostering gender attitudes.

Chapter 6 discusses the implications of the thesis, and emphasises the importance of socioecological accounts in understanding, and overcoming, unequal gender attitudes.

Item Type:	Thesis or Dissertation (PhD)
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology H Social Sciences > HM Sociology Q Science > QH Natural history
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):	Ecology, Human reproduction, Conservatism
Official Date:	January 2019
Dates:	Date Event January 2019 Published
Institution:	University of Warwick
Theses Department:	Department of Psychology
Thesis Type:	PhD
Publication Status:	Unpublished
Supervisor(s)/Advisor:	Fincher, Corey; Hills, Thomas
Sponsors:	University of Warwick; European Human Behaviour and Evolution Association; Experimental Psychology Society
Format of File:	pdf
Extent:	xv, 148 leaves: illustration, charts, maps
Language:	eng

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