The development and evolution of male androphilia in Samoan fa'afafine
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Date
2011
Authors
VanderLaan, Doug P
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Dept. of Psychology, c2011
Abstract
Male androphilia (i.e., male sexual attraction to males) is an evolutionary paradox. It is
unclear how genes for male androphilia persist given that androphilic males have lowered
reproduction? Evidence suggests that ancestral androphilic males were transgendered.
Hence, I address this paradox by focusing on a group of Samoan transgendered
androphilic males (i.e., fa’afafine). Specifically, I show that male androphilia has
consistent developmental correlates across Samoan and Western populations, indicating
that fa’afafine provide a suitable model for the evolution of male androphilia across
populations. In addition, I test hypotheses concerning the evolution of male androphilia.
Fa’afafine’s mothers and grandmothers exhibit elevated reproduction. Also, compared to
Samoan men and women, fa’afafine exhibit unique kin-investment cognition that would
enhance indirect fitness. Elevated reproduction by female kin, and enhanced kin
investments may, therefore, contribute to the evolution of male androphilia. Lastly, I
outline a developmental model for this unique kin-investment cognition in androphilic
males.
Description
xvii, 201 leaves : ill. ; 29 cm
Keywords
Gay men -- Samoa , Transgender people -- Samoa , Gender identity -- Samoa , Sex role -- Samoa , Samoa -- Social life and customs , Birth order , Dissertations, Academic