Evolution & mate choice Sexual selection suggests that men & women adopt different mating strategies Male – relatively indiscriminate, interested in fertility of potential mate Female – relatively discriminating, interested in ability of potential mate to provide for offspring

Personal ad research Some evolutionary researchers have looked at the personal ads people place when looking for a partner These are short & succinct, with (usually) clear indications of: The characteristics sought The characteristics offered

Evolutionary hypotheses Men are looking for women who are likely to reproduce successfully Young Physically attractive Women are looking for successful men who can provide for offspring Older Successful/rich/high status

Waynforth & Dunbar (1995) Age M asked for F 1-12yrs younger than them; F for M 2-7yrs older Attractiveness M mentioned own attractiveness 1.4x less than F; asked for attractiveness 2x as often Resources M mentioned own wealth 1.7x more than F; F asked for wealth 4.5x more than M

Buss (1989) Cross cultural comparisons (37 different cultures) F placed higher importance (average 2x) on wealth in all cases F preferred older partners (average 3.5yrs) in all cases F placed more importance on education, qualifications, career

Pawlowski & Dunbar (1999) Personal ad study Women generally make more demands in personal ads (i.e. mention more selection criteria) Women were more likely than men to withhold info about their age & this tendency peaked between years old