Mate Selection

Publication Type

Encyclopaedia

Publication Date

1-2012

Abstract

Theories and empirical findings of relationship and mate selection are covered in this article. When selecting long-term mates, men and women are equally choosy and desire many of the same traits in a partner. However, across the globe, men place a higher value on physical attractiveness and women place a higher value on social status and resources. For short-term mates, both sexes tend to especially value physical attractiveness. The adaptive reasons underlying these preferences, including how they change across women's menstrual cycle, are explained.

Keywords

Human mate selection

Discipline

Gender and Sexuality | Social Psychology

Research Areas

Psychology

Publication

Encyclopedia of Human Behavior

Editor

Ramachandran, V. S.

First Page

564

Last Page

570

ISBN

9780123750006

Identifier

10.1016/B978-0-12-375000-6.00227-5

Edition

2nd ed.

Publisher

Elsevier

City or Country

Amsterdam

Comments

Edited by V. S. Ramachandran

Additional URL

https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-375000-6.00227-5

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