Evolutionary explanations for partner preference
The evolutionary explanation suggests that partner preference is universal and
relates to sexual selection, derived from natural selection that was proposed by
Darwin
Sexual selection explains that characteristics that increase reproductive success
are passed on to next generations
- characteristics are either considered to be attractive to potential mates
- or provide an advantage over competition
Anisogamy;
- basis of human reproductive behaviour
- refers to differences between male and female sex cells
- male gametes are created continuously in vast numbers until old age
- female gametes are produced for a limited amount of years
- since the number of females are limited, it gives rise to two types of
sexual selection
Inter-sexual selection;
- preferred strategy of females
- quality over quantity
- Trivers (1972) pointed out that females spend more time and energy on their
offspring and therefore choose their mates more carefully as they have more
to lose
- eg, if height is considered attractive then taller males will pass on their genes
and over generations the characteristic will be more exaggerated
- Fisher (1930) suggests that the genes we see today enhanced
reproductive success
Intra-sexual selection;
- preferred strategy of males
- quantity over quality
- competition between males ---> ‘losing’ males do not pass on their
characteristics
- given rise to dimorphism which is how males and females look different
- for example, physical competition between males means that the larger males
have advantages in passing on their offspring and their genes to further
generations
- for example; female youthfulness is preferred because it is associated
with fertility
Evaluation;
- research support; Hatfield and Clark (1989) asked participants “I find you
very attractive, would you like to go to bed with me?” and all the females said
no whereas 75% of males said yes
- consistent findings; Buss (1989) conducted a survey of 10,000 people from
33 countries and found that generally, males valued youthfulness and
attractiveness and females valued financial stability and ambition
, - evolutionary theory ignores cultural differences ---> partner preferences
change over time since women are now a more active part of the workforce
and no longer need to depend on a man for financial stability so
characteristics that are changing (low temporal validity)
- evolutionary explanations cannot account for LGBT relationships, eg.
homosexuality or asexuality ---> homosexual relationships don’t assess
genetic fitness (theory is not generalisable to all relationships)
Self disclosure
Self disclosure: revealing personal information about yourself to a romantic
partner as the relationship develops (involves things such as thoughts and feelings
that can strengthen the romantic bond when used appropriately)
Social penetration theory;
- Altman and Taylor, 1973
- gradual process of revealing inner self to someone
- involves reciprocal exchange
- as disclose increases, partners will “penetrate” more deeply into each other’s
lives
- partners will gain a deeper bond and greater understanding of each other
- should reach a stage where self disclosure is welcomed and reciprocated
Breadth and depth of self disclosure;
- as both breadth and depth increase, romantic partners become more
committed to each other
- at early stages of the relationship, self disclosure is superficial/low risk
- eg. likes and dislikes
- breadth is narrow because there are topics that are considered off limits
- some topics may be too deep and be considered as oversharing which can
be perceived negatively
- at later stages, deeper information is revealed eg painful experiences or
memories
- eg. childhood trauma
- depenetration refers to the reduction of self disclosure with dissatisfied
partners ---> gradually disengage from the relationship
Reciprocity of self disclosure;
- Reis and Shaver, 1988
- reciprocity is vital because partners respond with empathy and their own
intimate thoughts and feelings which balances self disclosure
- balanced levels of self disclosure leads to successful relationships
- increases feelings of intimacy
Evaluation;
- research support for social penetration theory; Sprecher and Hendrick
found a strong correlation between satisfaction and self disclosure --->
Sprecher, 2013 found that relationships are closer when self disclosure is
reciprocated (more validity)
The evolutionary explanation suggests that partner preference is universal and
relates to sexual selection, derived from natural selection that was proposed by
Darwin
Sexual selection explains that characteristics that increase reproductive success
are passed on to next generations
- characteristics are either considered to be attractive to potential mates
- or provide an advantage over competition
Anisogamy;
- basis of human reproductive behaviour
- refers to differences between male and female sex cells
- male gametes are created continuously in vast numbers until old age
- female gametes are produced for a limited amount of years
- since the number of females are limited, it gives rise to two types of
sexual selection
Inter-sexual selection;
- preferred strategy of females
- quality over quantity
- Trivers (1972) pointed out that females spend more time and energy on their
offspring and therefore choose their mates more carefully as they have more
to lose
- eg, if height is considered attractive then taller males will pass on their genes
and over generations the characteristic will be more exaggerated
- Fisher (1930) suggests that the genes we see today enhanced
reproductive success
Intra-sexual selection;
- preferred strategy of males
- quantity over quality
- competition between males ---> ‘losing’ males do not pass on their
characteristics
- given rise to dimorphism which is how males and females look different
- for example, physical competition between males means that the larger males
have advantages in passing on their offspring and their genes to further
generations
- for example; female youthfulness is preferred because it is associated
with fertility
Evaluation;
- research support; Hatfield and Clark (1989) asked participants “I find you
very attractive, would you like to go to bed with me?” and all the females said
no whereas 75% of males said yes
- consistent findings; Buss (1989) conducted a survey of 10,000 people from
33 countries and found that generally, males valued youthfulness and
attractiveness and females valued financial stability and ambition
, - evolutionary theory ignores cultural differences ---> partner preferences
change over time since women are now a more active part of the workforce
and no longer need to depend on a man for financial stability so
characteristics that are changing (low temporal validity)
- evolutionary explanations cannot account for LGBT relationships, eg.
homosexuality or asexuality ---> homosexual relationships don’t assess
genetic fitness (theory is not generalisable to all relationships)
Self disclosure
Self disclosure: revealing personal information about yourself to a romantic
partner as the relationship develops (involves things such as thoughts and feelings
that can strengthen the romantic bond when used appropriately)
Social penetration theory;
- Altman and Taylor, 1973
- gradual process of revealing inner self to someone
- involves reciprocal exchange
- as disclose increases, partners will “penetrate” more deeply into each other’s
lives
- partners will gain a deeper bond and greater understanding of each other
- should reach a stage where self disclosure is welcomed and reciprocated
Breadth and depth of self disclosure;
- as both breadth and depth increase, romantic partners become more
committed to each other
- at early stages of the relationship, self disclosure is superficial/low risk
- eg. likes and dislikes
- breadth is narrow because there are topics that are considered off limits
- some topics may be too deep and be considered as oversharing which can
be perceived negatively
- at later stages, deeper information is revealed eg painful experiences or
memories
- eg. childhood trauma
- depenetration refers to the reduction of self disclosure with dissatisfied
partners ---> gradually disengage from the relationship
Reciprocity of self disclosure;
- Reis and Shaver, 1988
- reciprocity is vital because partners respond with empathy and their own
intimate thoughts and feelings which balances self disclosure
- balanced levels of self disclosure leads to successful relationships
- increases feelings of intimacy
Evaluation;
- research support for social penetration theory; Sprecher and Hendrick
found a strong correlation between satisfaction and self disclosure --->
Sprecher, 2013 found that relationships are closer when self disclosure is
reciprocated (more validity)
