Sexual Promiscuity

Let me begin by applying the basic concepts developed through our weekly reading. According to Darwin's Theory of Evolution, animals adapt so that they may survive and survival is considered in terms of reproductive strength. This process of reproduction stems from a natural selection where, animals selectively choose who they will mate with, according to varying factors. In sum, these ideas are only representative of a population; and not of an individual (Weiten 2008).

Thus, at first glance, one would not believe that this Theory of Evolution could, in any way, explain sexual promiscuity. I purport otherwise.

It is true, by definition alone, promiscuity is, "behavior characterized by casual and indiscriminate sexual intercourse, often with many people"(Encarta 2009). Thus, Evolutionary theory would seem to be at odds with the nature of this topic. After all, Evolutionary Theory calls for selective mating. Contrarily, sexual promiscuity can and is often, selective when viewed within a population. Likewise, only when we think of this sexual act outside of the context of one person sleeping with many, can we truly apply Evolutionary Theory and understand the implications. Unfortunately, much of Psychology focuses their studies of sexual behaviors on the individual, rather than the population as whole. According to Laumann and Michael, " Biological and psychological studies of behavior focus solely on the individual as the relevant "unit of analysis"...why an individual exhibits certain sexual behaviors...But this line of inquiry only reveals part of the story...Most sexual behavior is not performed by an individual alone and in the absence of others. Instead sexual behavior is social in the sense that it involves two [or more] people..."(Laumann & Michael, 1994).

According to Brahmam Prakash, he found that sexual promiscuity was more likely the result of two factors, "...to check the effect of a drug on sexual performance and as a sexual outlet to explore sexual desires" (Prakash 2003). He further noted that about 18% of his study was married and they were promiscuous to satisfy urges not met at home, and thus were seeking partners who were like their mates or exactly opposite to those mates. (Prakash 2003). In this population, there was selection that occurred. From personal experience, I have noticed that promiscuous people only sleep with a certain kind of person. I. E. that type or those people had to fit certain criteria and have certain attributes before they would be lucky enough to partake in sex. While research supporting this claim is limited, there are Evolutionary implications at hand.

Like the female house finch who swayed by redder feathers, human males and females can be swayed by specific physical attributes. In truth, most sexual encounters- promiscuous or not- begin with a physical attraction of endorphins and hormones (Weiten 2008).

Still, does this explain the entire idea of promiscuity, no! Then again, no one theory will. As stated by Weiten, "...behavior is determined by multiple causes" (Weiten 2008). What Evolutionary Theory does, is shine new lights on an old, yet surprisingly ill informed topic.

References:

Encarta Online (2009). Promiscuity. Retrieved on December 15, 2009, from http://encarta.msn.com/dictionary_1861736587/promiscuity.html

Laumann, E. & Michael R. (1994). The social organization of sexuality. Chicago, IL: The University of Chicago Press.

Prakash, B. (2003). Reasons for sexual promiscuity in chemically dependent respondents and their awareness and acceptance of condom use. Retrieved December 15, 2009, from http://medind.nic.in/ibl/t03/i1/iblt03i1p17o.pdf

Weiten, W. (2008). Psychology: Themes and variations (7th ed.). Belmont, CA: Thomson Wadsworth.