Investigating Male-Female Behavior Differences Using Evolutionary Biology

The Evolution of Human Behavior

Kristin Otto, Kelsey Moore, Yuki Nakano, Sasha Neufeld, Jeffrey Perkins

Investigating Male-Female Behavior Differences Using Evolutionary Biology

            Gary Cziko provides a thorough explanation of the evolution of human behavior in his book The Things We Do: Using the Lessons of Bernard and Darwin to Understand the What, How, and Why of Our Behavior. The phrase Darwinian evolution normally conjures up images of single-celled organisms, primates, humans. Cziko states that if human beings evolve due to natural selection, so must human behavior. “The Darwinian conclusion that human beings are also a product of biological evolution is scientifically inescapable, meaning that our behavior must also be compatible with and explainable by natural selection,” Cziko says (Cziko 148). In order for the evolution of human behavior to be possible, a few assumptions must be made. First, natural selection caused the human species to evolve over time into what it is today from more simple life forms. Second, human behaviors are adaptations that promote human survival and success in reproduction. Finally, there is an inherited, genetic basis for human behavior. These assumptions are consistent with research and biological theory

            There are many obvious differences between men and women which contribute to each gender’s has a distinct role in society. One of the less apparent difference is reproductive capacity. Women only produce a limited number of eggs in their lifetime, and invest quite a bit of time and energy into producing children. In contrast, a man has a seemingly endless supply of sperm, and is not as invested in the development of a child before birth. Thus, males have a higher reproductive capacity than females. The only limiting factor for male reproduction is the availability of fertile women. This should lead to competition among males for mates, which we see all human societies. Additionally, males are more interested in having sex with multiple women because of the possibility of a child without any involvement. This is shown in human behavior through adultery, the pornographic industry, and men paying women for sex. Although both genders participate in these activities, it is far more common among men. Men and women also differ in their choice of mate. Men prefer younger women because they have more reproductive years, thus maximizing their chances of passing on their genes. Women prefer men who can provide for them and their children, which leads to a preference of older men. In simple and rather blunt terms, men are looking for sex and women are looking for resources.

            Cziko presents a convincing argument for the evolution of human behavior. I can see how certain behaviors, such as competition for mates and attraction to certain age groups, results from a desire for reproductive success. However, I believe certain areas of Cziko’s analysis are debatable. For example, in this day and age, I am more inclined to believe that if a male has sex with multiple women, it is because he is not very invested in the relationship, not that he is trying to increase his chances of reproduction. Most males are not looking to have children when they are cheating; they are just looking for sex. I understand that animals exhibit this behavior in order to increase reproductive success. However, humans have to consider the stigma associated with cheating. If a man has sex with multiple partners, and it is “exposed,” many other women would not want to have a relationship with him because they do not trust him, thereby limiting his sexual encounters and lowering his reproductive success. I believe Cziko is correct that this behavior evolved as a useful way to increase reproductive success, but in today’s culture the behavior has a completely different connotation.

Works Cited

Cziko, Gary. “The Evolution of Human Behavior: The Darwinian Revolution Continued.” The Things We Do: Using the Lessons of Bernard and Darwin to Understand the What, How, and Why of Our Behavior. By Cziko. The MIT Press, 200. 147-75. www.faculty.ed.uiuc.edu/g-cziko/twd/pdf/twd08.pdf Web. 14 Feb. 2011.