The Evolution of Human Sexuality
The Evolution of Human Sexuality
Donald Symons
Steven Pinker
The founding document of evolutionary psychology, filled with insights about sex and the sexes, and more relevant than ever with #metoo. - Steven Pinker
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The Evolution of Human Sexuality

The Evolution of Human Sexuality

Donald Symons
By
Donald Symons
4.2
90
ratings on Goodreads

In "The Evolution of Human Sexuality," Donald Symons embarks on a groundbreaking exploration of the intricate landscape of human sexual behavior and its biological underpinnings. With a masterful blend of anthropology, psychology, and evolutionary theory, Symons challenges the prevailing notions of his time, arguing convincingly for the inherent differences between male and female sexualities. At the heart of his thesis lies the bold assertion that these differences are not solely the product of cultural conditioning or socialization, but are deeply rooted in our evolutionary past. Through a meticulous examination of sexual attitudes, behaviors, and desires, Symons unveils the complex interplay between biology and environment, offering profound insights into the nature of human sexuality. This seminal work not only adds a critical dimension to the nature versus nurture debate but also reshapes our understanding of sex and gender. Symons' nuanced analysis transcends mere academic discourse, inviting readers to reconsider long-held beliefs about sexual identity and orientation. By weaving together evidence from various disciplines, "The Evolution of Human Sexuality" stands as a landmark study that illuminates the evolutionary forces shaping our most intimate behaviors and feelings. Symons' compelling narrative and rigorous scholarship make this book an indispensable resource for anyone seeking to comprehend the origins and evolution of human sexuality.

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Released
1979
30 Aug
Length
368
Pages

1

recommendations

recommendation

The founding document of evolutionary psychology, filled with insights about sex and the sexes, and more relevant than ever with #metoo. - Steven Pinker
Females rarely can increase their reproductive success by copulating with many males, but they have a great deal to gain by copulating with fit males and a great deal to lose by copulating with unfit males. If a male is unsuccessful in a mating encounter he has lost almost nothing, even if he has inadvertently mated with a female of a different species, whereas a female often risks months of time and a great amount of energy in attempting reproduction; a reproductive failure is much more costly for her than it is for a male. Since it is adaptive for a male to pretend to fitness whether or not he is fit, it is adaptive for a female to be resistant to courtship—thereby evoking further and stronger displays—in order to discriminate genuinely fit males and perhaps to incite male-male competition.
— Donald Symons, The Evolution of Human Sexuality

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