Modern Wisdom #553 - Dr Jaimie Krems - The Evolutionary Psychology Of Friendship
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Nov 17, 2022 Dr. Jaimie Krems, an Assistant Professor at Oklahoma State University, explores the intricate world of friendships through the lens of evolutionary psychology. She unpacks why male and female friendships often differ drastically, including the emotional dynamics and societal pressures involved. The conversation reveals how body shape influences attractiveness, why casual sex impacts perceptions of self-esteem, and the role of gossip in friendships. Krems also addresses the complexities of jealousy and the moral dimensions of societal views on various relationship choices.
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Gendered Friendship Structures
- Men form looser, larger friend groups, prioritizing coalition-based support.
- Women cultivate fewer but intensely close, emotionally supportive friendships, valuing intimacy.
Evolutionary Basis of Female Friendships
- Women's close friendships may enhance survival and offspring success, evidenced in primate studies.
- The reason for this difference between male and female friendships remains unclear in humans.
Theories on Friendship Differences
- Alloparenting and patrilocality are potential reasons for friendship differences between sexes.
- Patrilocality, where women leave their birth group, may necessitate forming kin-like bonds for support.