RELS 10: Sexual selection A03

Outline the procedure, key finding and conclusion of Clark & Hatfield's experiment on casual sex (5)

* Students approached by member of opposite sex

* Asked 'Would you go to bed with me?'

* 75% of males said 'yes'

* 0% of females said 'yes'

* Women are choosier than men​ about sexual partners

Explain how sexual selection can account for the difference between males and females found in Clark & Hatfield's experiment (3)

* Difference in willingness now reflects preferences that would have led to reproductive success in the EEA​

* Casual sex for males increases chance of reproduction​

* Casual sex for females leads to risk of pregnancy to partner with poor genes / weak investment in offspring

Outline the key methodological details, key findings and conclusion of Buss' 37 cultures study (5)

* Self- report / survey

* Cross- cultural study

* Females attracted to characteristics linked to resource provision, e.g., income and ambition (36/37 cultures)​

​* Males attracted to characteristics linked to reproductive capacity, e.g., looks and youth (37/37 cultures)

* Females seek resources, males seek attractiveness​

Explain how sexual selection can account for the difference between males and females found in Buss' 37 cultures study (5)

* Difference in importance now reflects preferences that would have led to reproductive success in the EEA​

* Females needed resources to care for offspring, so...

* ...attraction to protector / provider would have enhanced own / infants' survival if they mated with such males​

* Male attraction to signs of youth, health, which are indicators of fertility...

* ... would have increased likelihood of reproducing if they mated with such females​

Identify one way in which sexual selection theory can be criticised for being socially sensitive (1). Give some examples to illustrate the criticism (2).

* Reinforces stereotypes about men and women​

* That women want / should want fewer sexual partners than men​

* Reinforces sexual double standards: slut shaming​

OR​

* That men are / should be the main provider of resources​

That women are / should be the main carer for children​

* Reinforces stereotypes about 'real' men and women ​