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16 - Sex Differences and Sex Similarities

from Part II - Middle-Level Theories

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  30 June 2022

By
Jessica L. Engelbrecht  and
John E. Edlund
Edited by
Todd K. Shackelford
Todd K. Shackelford
Affiliation:
Oakland University, Michigan
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Summary

The sciences have been perennially interested in understanding similarities and differences between the sexes. Among humans, both males and females seek to secure serially monogamous partnerships with kind and intelligent mates similar to themselves. However, the sexes differ in the relative value placed on resources and physical attractiveness, their willingness to engage in short-term liaisons, and jealousy in response to emotional and sexual infidelities. Consideration of cultural factors, modern relationship innovations, and diversity in sexual orientation and gender identity provides further complexity to our understanding of similarities and differences. Recommendations are made for future research in these areas, and the societal implications of evolutionary work on the sexes is discussed.

Keywords

sex differencessex similaritiessexual psychologymate preferences
Type
Chapter
Information
The Cambridge Handbook of Evolutionary Perspectives on Sexual Psychology , pp. 360 - 389
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2022

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