Work

Monogamy: exception or rule?

Year: 2020

Type: preprint

Abstract: Theories of polygyny typically invoke male heterogeneity to explain it. Arguing that such heterogeneity depends on men's willingness to compete against each other, I model the evolution of this trait. Lack of competitiveness (and the associated monogamy) is shown to be compatible with natural selection if male reproductive success (MRS) decreases with the number of wives. I show that MRS may decrease with the number of wives even though the man and his spouse(s) make fertility and child care choices that aim at maximizing reproductive success. The model sheds light on polygyny rates across space and time in human societies.

Source: HAL

Author: Alger, Ingela

Institutions: Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université Toulouse-I-Capitole, Toulouse School of Economics, Institute for Advanced Study in Toulouse, Université Toulouse Capitole

Language: English

Topic: Evolutionary Psychology and Human Behavior

Subfield: Experimental and Cognitive Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: green

OpenAlex ID: W3019147574

Cites: 69

Cited by:

Related to: 10