The Evolution of Sexual Attraction

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer notes that successful copulation and reproduction has been propagated by the human species for millions of years. The writer points out that this process has been studied and researched for centuries to determine the physiological and psychological motivations behind procreation and sexual attraction. The field of evolutionary psychology has attempted to do so, and derives evidence from psychology, neuroscience, anthropology, comparative zoology, sociology, behavioral genetics, and many other fields. The writer discusses that through such studies, more insight may be gained as to sexual attraction, mate choices, and social decisions regarding sex and relationship between men and women. The writer maintains that there is no doubt that human beings will continue mating and reproducing, yet the whole process continues to have a mysterious aura surrounding it. The writer then concludes that although study after study has been conducted, the physiological and psychological motivations behind procreation and sexual attraction are still elusive.

Outline:
Introduction
Evolutionary Function of Orgasms
What Men and Women Find Attractive
Social vs. Sexual Attraction
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"This modern day psychology of the human male is no doubt an offshoot from his male ancestors who were physiologically urged to over-reproduce to insure survival of the species.
"Women, on the other hand, do not appear to have such a physiological or psychological need to procreate with multiple males, as women do not compete with other female ova during sexual encounters. Therefore, short-term sexual partners for women may function only to evaluate possible long-term mates, and serve more of a social function whether than a sexual or reproductive one."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Archer, John, & Lloyd, Barbara (2002). Sex and Gender. London: Cambridge.
• Byrd-Craven, Jennifer, & Geary, David C., & Vigil, Jacob (2004). Evolution of Human Mate Choice. The Journal of Sex, 41.1, 27-41.
• Goetz, Aaron T., & Lamunyon, Craig W., & Quintus, Brian J., & Shackelford, Todd K., & Weekes-Shackelford, Viviana A.(2004). Sex Differences in Sexual Psychology Produce Sex-Similar Preferences for a Short-Term Mate. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 33.4, 405-410.
• Hanlon, Michael (2007, January 15). Have We Solved the Mystery of Mutual Attraction? As a Survey Claims the Opposites Make Better Lovers. The Daily Mail, p. 15.
• Johnson, Paul (2004, September 23). Bodytalk: The Laws of Attraction; What Is It about a Woman That Makes Her Sexy? It's Simply a Case of Primitive Desire. The Mirror, p. 33.

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