#282 – David Buss: Sex, Dating, Relationships, and Sex Differences
May 4, 2022
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David Buss, an evolutionary psychologist at UT Austin and a pioneer in evolutionary psychology, discusses the complexities of human relationships and mating strategies. He dives into the biological influences on attraction, jealousy, and infidelity. Buss examines how gender dynamics shape societal behavior and the myriad motivations behind female sexuality. The conversation also touches on toxic relationships, arranged marriages, and the psychological profiles of individuals affected by societal pressures, blending humor with profound insights into human nature.
Mating strategies shaped human evolution, with long-term pair-bonding and male competition playing significant roles.
Concealed ovulation led to the evolution of complex emotions like love and attachment in humans.
Physical appearance, fitness, and a high shoulder-to-hip ratio are important factors in mate selection.
Media and societal influences can distort perceptions of attractiveness, leading to lower self-esteem and body image issues.
Women have diverse motivations for engaging in sexual activities, ranging from physical pleasure to feeling closer to God.
Pornography consumption can lead to unrealistic expectations about sex, relationships, and hinder personal growth.
Deep dives
Importance of Mating Strategies in Human Evolution
Mating strategies play a crucial role in human evolution. Our long-term pair-bonding, exclusive to humans, has driven the evolution of complex mating psychology. Males invest in parenting, unlike our closest primate relatives, and male competition is significant in human mating. Reputational warfare, both through verbal language and physical prowess, is a key aspect of mate competition. Women have a wide range of characteristics they consider in mate selection, including physical attractiveness, intelligence, and shared values. Men prioritize physical appearance and youth when selecting long-term mates, while short-term mating is focused on physical attractiveness for both sexes.
Exploring the Significance of Concealed Ovulation and Human Mating
Humans have concealed ovulation, unlike chimpanzees. This means that women do not show clear signs of fertility like chimpanzee females do during estrus. Long-term pair-bonding and concealed ovulation are evolutionary counterparts. Concealed ovulation necessitates longer-term commitment in mating strategies, leading to the evolution of complex emotions like love and attachment. However, short-term mating still plays a significant role in humans, and women engage in mate switching as a strategy to secure better partners or transition back into the mating market. This challenges the traditional view of women seeking good genes in short-term mates.
Physical Appearance and Mating Preferences
Physical appearance, fitness, and a relatively high shoulder-to-hip ratio are important factors in human mating preferences. Men tend to prioritize physical attractiveness, while women consider a combination of physical appearance, intelligence, and sense of humor. Women often compare themselves to unrealistic standards portrayed in media, which can contribute to lower self-esteem and eating disorders. The fashion industry and societal influences can distort perceptions of attractiveness. There is evidence of an evolutionary mismatch, as modern media bombard individuals with images that do not accurately represent the competition in the mating market.
Objectification, Standards of Beauty, and Media Influence
The objectification of bodies in media, combined with an emphasis on unrealistic beauty standards, can have negative effects on body image and self-esteem, particularly for women. The modern digital age magnifies social comparisons, leading to feelings of inadequacy and potentially harmful behaviors. Social media platforms can exacerbate these issues, as images are curated and manipulated to present an idealized appearance. Challenging these unrealistic standards and promoting body positivity is important for fostering healthier attitudes towards physical appearance and promoting self-acceptance.
Sexual Motivations and Variety
Women have a wide range of motivations for engaging in sexual activities. It can range from physical pleasure, stress relief, to getting revenge or even feeling closer to God. There are various reasons why women have sex, and it can be a complex combination of physical, emotional, and psychological factors.
Different Kinds of Sex and Fetishes
Human sexuality is diverse, and individuals have different preferences and desires when it comes to sexual experiences. These can include a wide range of kinks, fantasies, and specific preferences for certain acts or objects. Fetishes, for example, tend to be more common in males and can be influenced by early sexual experiences or conditioning.
Polyamory and Non-Monogamous Relationships
Relationships and sexual practices can vary, and some people engage in non-monogamous relationships, such as polyamory. Polyamory involves having multiple consensual romantic and sexual partnerships simultaneously. It requires open communication, trust, and agreements made between all partners involved.
Impact of Pornography on Mating and Sexual Psychology
The accessibility of pornography in the digital age has had an impact on human sexuality and mating behavior. It provides a diverse range of sexual content and experiences that can alter individuals' perceptions of sex and their sexual preferences. However, the effects of pornography can vary among individuals and may influence their sexual interests and desires.
The Influence of Pornography on Expectations in Relationships
Pornography consumption can lead to unrealistic expectations about sex and relationships. For example, men who heavily consume pornography may develop unrealistic expectations about breast size or the sexual acrobatics depicted in adult films. This can negatively impact their real-life relationships and put pressure on their partners to fulfill these unrealistic expectations.
The Detrimental Effects of Pornography and Addiction
The consumption of pornography, particularly for males, can have negative effects on their pursuit of real-life relationships and their general ambition. Excessive consumption can lead to addiction, where individuals spend excessive amounts of time consuming pornography. This can dampen their motivation and hinder their personal and professional growth.
The Link Between Sex, Violence, and Human Nature
Sex and violence are linked in various ways, including in the context of incel communities and serial killers. While the connection is complex and influenced by various genetic, psychological, and cultural factors, there are examples where sexual frustration and feelings of rejection have played a role in stirring violent tendencies. It highlights the importance of understanding and managing the darker aspects of human nature.
The Controversy and Importance of Free Speech in Digital Platforms
Navigating the current climate of cancel culture and ensuring free speech is a challenge, especially for individuals like scientists who explore controversial topics. Balancing the ability to express ideas, challenge each other, and explore new concepts without fear of being silenced is crucial for fostering scientific progress and understanding human nature.
David Buss is an evolutionary psychologist at UT Austin. He is one of the founders of the field of evolutionary psychology. His current research is on sex differences in mate selection, mate attraction, infidelity, and the emotions of jealousy, lust, and love. Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsors:
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OUTLINE:
Here’s the timestamps for the episode. On some podcast players you should be able to click the timestamp to jump to that time.
(00:00) – Introduction
(08:04) – Sex vs Violence
(14:48) – Mating strategies
(26:44) – Social construct of beauty
(30:38) – Evolution of mating evaluation
(34:40) – Mating selection desires
(39:52) – Difficulties of monogamy
(46:16) – Importance of male appearance
(48:52) – Importance of wealth
(52:08) – Penis and breasts
(55:59) – Fashion
(58:58) – Body objectification
(1:06:33) – Wear sunscreen
(1:13:29) – Gender
(1:30:39) – What motivates humans
(1:32:29) – Dominance and submissiveness
(1:40:33) – Johnny Depp defamation trial
(1:50:24) – Jealousy
(1:58:45) – Mate poaching
(2:02:58) – Polyamory
(2:14:13) – Female vs Male sexuality
(2:23:11) – Pornography
(2:29:46) – Sex and Violence continued
(2:38:55) – Cancel culture
(2:50:38) – Elon Musk and Twitter
(2:59:02) – Serial killers
(3:04:55) – Advice for young people
(3:16:57) – Love
(3:22:57) – Mortality
(3:27:40) – Meaning of life
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