Sexual selection under parental choice in agropastoral societies

Evolution and Human Behavior • Vol/Iss. 31 • Published In • Pages: 39-47 •
By Apostolou, Menelaos

Abstract

Previous studies have proposed a model of sexual selection that dictates that along with female and male choice, parental choice constitutes a significant sexual selection force in our species. This article aims at examining whether this model can also account for the mating patterns typical of agricultural and pastoral societies. The hypotheses are supported by the results presented.

Samples

Sample Used Coded Data Comment
Standard Cross Cultural Sample (SCCS)from the World Cultures 2006 CD

Hypotheses (9)

HypothesisSupported
In agricultural societies, parents will choose the mate for their offspring (42)Supported
Gender of spouse predicts the type of marriage arrangement.Supported
For females, marriage type and subsistence type are associated (43)Not Supported
For males, marriage type is associated with subsistence type (43)Partially supported
Subsistence type predicts gender of decision maker in marriage arrangements (44)Supported
Gender predicts age at marriage (44)Supported
For both sexes, subsistence type is not associated with age at first marriage (44)Supported
Subsistence type is associated with ease of divorce (44)Not Supported
Female punishment is associated with subsistence type (45)Not Supported
Documents and Hypotheses Filed By: Kate Cummings  Jessie Cohen