Paternal investment and the human mating system

Behavioural Processes • Vol/Iss. 51(1) • Elsevier Scientific Publishers B.V. (Biomedical Division) • Amsterdam • Published In • Pages: 45-61 •
By Marlowe, Frank W.

Abstract

This article explores the interrelated roles of male parental investment (males' infant/child care and resource provisioning) and male-male competition (variation in male status) on the degree of monogamy or polygyny in a society. Marlowe argues that Degree of parental investment affects females' interest in resource-shopping versus gene-shopping. Also discussed is the idea that male-male competition affects males' inclination toward harem-defense or coercive polygyny. Particular attention is paid to variation in parental investment and male stratification across subsistence types.

Samples

Sample Used Coded Data Comment
Standard Cross Cultural Sample (SCCS)Other researchers

Hypotheses (7)

HypothesisSupported
Controlling for mode of subsistence and male contribution, father-infant proximity (proxy for direct infant care) is negatively correlated with polygyny (p. 52).Supported
Social stratification (degree of variation in male status) is positively associated with degree of polygyny among forager and horticulturalists (p. 52).Supported
Controlling for mode of subsistence and father-infant proximity, male contribution to subsistence is negatively correlated with degree of polygyny (p. 52-3).Supported
Virilocality is positively correlated with level of stratification and men's time in subsistence activity (48).Supported
Male contribution to subsistence is inversely correlated with effective temperature (51).Supported
Male aggressiveness was the strongest predictor of degree of polygyny, when tested against father-infant proximity, male contribution to subsistence, and male aggressiveness (55).Supported
Male aggressiveness is negatively correlated with father-infant proximity (55).Supported
Documents and Hypotheses Filed By: matthew.g.roth  Kate Cummings  Amelia Piazza  abbe.mccarter