Evolutionary Explanations of Gender

Evolutionary Explanations of Gender

1. AO1:

   • Gender differences occur because of selective pressures in the past that shaped different behaviours in men and women.
     • Natural Selection: Behaviours that allow an animal to compete for food and shelter to survive. Sexual Selection: Behaviours that allow an animal to compete for mates and reproduce.

2. AO2/3:

   • Cross Cultural Research
     • Williams and Best: examined gender stereotypes in 30 different national cultures. 100 male and female students asked to look at a list of adjectives, answer whether they would associate with males or females. Similarities between cultures. Males dominant, aggressive and autonomous. Women were nurturant and interested in affiliation.
       • Gender roles are universal. Appear across all cultures - nature rather than nurture.
         • Criticism: agreements of gender roles were stronger in collectivist cultures. Environment does play a role.

3. Hunters & Gatherers (Natural Selection)

   • Females: Advantageous to have good memories, to remember where food was scattered.
     • Males: Advantageous to be aggressive and fit to fight to hunt and protect.

4. Parental Investment Theory & Romantic Relationships (Sexual Selection)

   • Trivers: Gender differences evolved due to reproductive strategies which led to reproductive success
     • Males: Uncommitted sex & seeking wealth. Each offspring needs little parental investment. Reproductive success comes from producing as many offspring as he can with many females.
       • Females: Being choosy & keeping young looking. Offspring requires high levels of parental investment. Carry, give birth and breastfeed. Reproductive success comes from survival of her offspring. More likely with 2 parents to provide protection and food. Advantage to be youthful and faithful .

5. Sexual Selection

   • Males are more sexually promiscuous than females. Clark and Hatfield: attractive confederates asked opposite sex strangers on a university campus if they would go out/come over/sleep with them. Males more willing to engage in casual sex.
     • Suggests gender differences have evolved to aid successful production of offspring.
       • Evolutionary studies have been questioned as gender differences in behaviour may not reflect our biology and evolution. Cultural views account for differences. Therefore evolutionary explanation may be unable to explain gender differences.