Inter-sexual mate competition: A previously unrecognized factor in the evolution of human mating

Loading...
Thumbnail Image
Date
2020
Authors
Semenyna, Scott
University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Arts and Science
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Dept. of Psychology
Abstract
Inter-sexual mate competition occurs any time opposite-sex individuals engage in romantic/sexual competition over the same target. The existence of bisexual behaviour among humans suggests the possibility of inter-sexual mate competition, but it has never been systematically documented. I address this absence with research in three cultures: Canada, Samoa, and the Istmo Zapotec (Southern Mexico). A mixed-method qualitative design was used to document the presence and characteristics of inter-sexual mate competition, and survey and experimental designs were used to understand its potential consequences. Inter-sexual mate competition is both prevalent and consequential in Samoa and the Istmo Zapotec, where women compete against rival women and feminine males for the romantic/sexual attention of men. In Canada, where male bisexual behaviour is uncommon, inter-sexual mate competition is rare and inconsequential. Evolutionary models of mating systems and dynamics can be improved by recognizing when and why inter-sexual mate competition occurs.
Description
Keywords
Bisexuality , Femininity , Gender expression , Intersexuality , Sex customs , Sex preselection , Dissertations, Academic
Citation