S1W7 Relationships 1

S1W7 Relationships 1

1. Evolutionary theory

   • Shift from species to gene as the unit of interest. - Darwin (1861) on the origin of species , (1976)- The selfish gene
   • Evolutionary psychology: Hypotheses derived from this approach tested in laboratory.
   • Sexual relationships
     • Robin Baker (1996)- Sperm from rival males engage in 'warfare' to fertilise egg.
     • Davies (1983): Dunnocks
     • Baker & Bellis 1993- Evidence in humans
     • The female orgasm
       • Baker: Orgasm during sex allows F to retain sperm of preferred father. only happens 15% of time during penetrative sex, previous orgasm can flush out sperm of rival and prepare lubrication for next session.
       • King & Belsky (2010): 2 types of female orgasm Type 1: deeper (‘internal’), better sperm retention Type 2: superficial (‘local’), ‘relaxing’ Type 1 associated with partners who are dominant, considerate, but not muscular and aggressive
     • Mate selection
       • For genes to have best chance of survival, need to select partner with best genetic make-up
         • DeBruine (2005): opposite-sex versions of faces rated as ‘trustworthy but not lustworthy’
           • Facial symmetry: guide to good health?
             • Langlois (2000): F preferences for faces vary according to menstrual cycle ‘Masculine’ faces (seen as indicating good health) preferred at most fertile period
   • Dawkins 1976
     • -DNA molecules in each of the 1,000,000,000 cells of the body. -Consists of 23 pairs of ‘volumes’: these are the chromosomes The genes are ‘pages’ in each ‘volume’
   • Clitiques of evolutionary psychology
     • Common criticism, anticipated and disputed by the researchers themselves Dawkins: we have the unique ability to ‘upset the designs’

2. Genetic transmission

   • Each pair of chromosomes comes from either the father or mother Some genes are rivals (alleles) Recessive genes usually lose out to rivals e.g., gene for blue eyes trumped by gene for brown eyes But does not mean they can’t be passed on by child and reappear further down the line

3. Behavioural genetics:

   • The effect of genes on behaviour described as the extended phenotype (Dawkins, 1982) Cuckoo behaviour
     • Typically, complex behaviour involves several genes simultaneously Rothenbuhler’s bees

4. Parental investment without genetics

   • Step-parents Adopters Gay parents Transgender parents
   • Hamilton et al (2007): Adopted children invested in more than genetic ones (but also parents wealthier)
     • Gibson (2009): Tested parental investment theory in families with biological and adopted children Greater investment in adoptees, though poorer outcomes: ‘the squeaky wheel gets the grease’ But speculates that birthmothers whose children are adopted are more likely to pass on dubious genes
   • Gay parents: According to evolutionary psychologists, only ‘adaptive’ function of homosexuality is to provide extra resources for relatives -Lesbian parents invest more than heterosexual parents, especially if one is biological mother, taking on more ‘maternal’ roles (Gabb, 2005)
     • Gay fathers have to overcome multiple prejudices about appropriateness for parenting Berkowitz (2007): gay male adopters more ‘degendered’ than lesbian parents, sharing childcare Less likely to use physical punishment than other parents
       • Most gay dads become interested in parenting through seeing siblings start families and other gay couples adopting Changing culture creates possibilities previously unconsidered

5. Critiques of evolutionary psychology

   • Rose, Lewontin & Kamin (1984): Preference for biological/evolutionary explanations is fundamentally conservative
     • Offers individuals ‘scientific’ excuses for immoral behaviour Evolutionary psychologists claim that opponents just in denial, and we need ‘truth’ to try and deal with social problems