1 Psychology 320: Psychology of Gender and Sex Differences Lecture 36

2 Office Hour Invitations January 13 th, 11:30-12:30 Kenny

3 Announcement Jackson Katz (from the film “Tough Guise”) is coming to UBC! When: Monday, January 23, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM. Where: Room 100 of Neville Scarf (2125 Main Mall). Cost: Free. More information:

4 3. What characteristics do females and males desire in a mate? Friendship and Romantic Relationships 1. What unique challenges do cross-sex friendships face? (continued) 2. What research findings have emerged regarding friendship among individuals who identify as bisexual, lesbian, or gay?

5 1. discuss the challenges associated with cross-sex friendships. By the end of today’s class, you should be able to: 2. compare and contrast friendship among individuals who identify as heterosexual and individuals who identify as bisexual, lesbian, or gay. 3. identify sex differences in mate preferences. 4. review theories of sex differences in mate preferences and the research findings that support them.

6 ◦ 67% of those who have had sex with a cross-sex friend indicate that the quality of the relationship improved (Afifi & Faulkner, 2000). ◦ 51% have had sex in the past with a cross-sex friend. Of these individuals, 56% reported having sex with more than one cross-sex friend (Afifi & Faulkner, 2000). What unique challenges do cross-sex friendships face? (continued)

7 ◦ Among those who are sexually attracted to a cross- sex friend, the primary reasons for not pursuing a sexual relationship are: avoiding a “break up,” avoiding being hurt, and avoiding social disapproval (Messman et al., 2000).

8 Relatively little research has examined friendship among individuals who identify as bisexual, lesbian, or gay. What research findings have emerged regarding friendship among individuals who identify as bisexual, lesbian, or gay? This research has demonstrated similarities with and differences from the findings reported for individuals who identify as heterosexual.

9 Similarities include:  Friendship network size.  Desired characteristics: Seek friends with similar characteristics. Lesbians and gay males have more friends who are lesbian or gay than heterosexual or bisexual; bisexual individuals have more friends who are heterosexual than bisexual, lesbian, or gay (Galupo, 2007).

10 Sexual Orientation of Friends Among Lesbians, Gay Males, and Bisexual Individuals (Galupo, 2007)

11 Differences include:  Sex differences in self-disclosure and shared activity are not observed in friendships among gay males and lesbians (Nardi & Sherrod, 1994).  Sex differences in relationship conflict are not observed in friendships among gay males and lesbians (Nardi & Sherrod, 1994).

12  The emotional bond challenge and sexual challenge manifest in same-sex friendship as opposed to cross- sex friendship for individuals who identify as gay or lesbian. 76% of gay males report having had sex with one or more close friends; 59% of lesbians report having had sex with one or more close friends (Nardi, 1992).

13 Data regarding the frequency of sex with friends among individuals who identify as bisexual are not available.  The emotional bond challenge and sexual challenge manifest in both same-sex friendship and cross-sex friendship for individuals who identify as bisexual.

14 What characteristics do females and males desire in a mate? Personal Ads: Women seeking men Educated, attractive, creative SWF, 29, 5’5” 120 lbs, long brown hair, seeks articulate SWPM, 29-39, 6’+, gentleman, higher education (Doctorate/Master’s a must), who enjoys politics, arts, medicine, and has sense of humour. Multilingual a plus. SF, 5’3”, 135 lbs, blond/brown, enjoys reading, music, concerts, hanging out with friends. Seeking SM, with good work ethic, but can also be romantic, spontaneous, for LTR.

15 Personal Ads: Men seeking women SM, 29, 6’1”, 190 lbs, enjoys all outdoor athletic activities, stimulating conversation. Seeking well-built lady, 30-40, with sense of humour. Redheads a plus. Seeking attractive, down-to-earth, emotionally well-adjusted SF, late 20s-30s, independent not disinterested, sense of humour. Me: attractive, tall, fit, educated (master’s) employed, condo/car-owning SM, 32.

16 Research suggests that females are more likely than males to emphasize resource potential, whereas males are more likely than females to emphasize physical attractiveness:

17 Effect sizes (Feingold, 1990, 1992; also see Schackelford, Schmitt & Buss, 2005):  Socioeconomic status: d =  Ambition: d =  Physical attractiveness: d = +.54.

18 Explanations for sex differences in importance of resource potential and physical attractiveness: 1. Evolutionary explanation: Emphasizes sex differences in minimal parental investment. 2. Social role explanation: Emphasizes division of labour between males and females in traditional societies.

19 3. What characteristics do females and males desire in a mate? Friendship and Romantic Relationships 1. What unique challenges do cross-sex friendships face? (continued) 2. What research findings have emerged regarding friendship among individuals who identify as bisexual, lesbian, or gay?