Reap What You Sow

p292 #2

     The human species is continuously evolving at a slow rate into the men and women we are today and will become in the future. Evolutionary psychology is one aspect that was born from Darwin’s theory of evolution. Darwinian theory supports propagating the species through a process called natural selection. Natural selection is how humans are able to carry on their own genetic traits by choosing an ideal mate and having children. Selecting out or adding certain traits to our genes can take thousands of years. Our human sexual behavior is best preserved in a heterosexual monogamous marriage, because as Wright points out in Our Cheating Hearts, “love between man and woman is a human universal” (Wright 284). There are examples of human genes that show we are naturally selecting for genes in favor of a heterosexual monogamous pair-bonding union through our sexual selection. We prefer certain kinds of mates.

     Darwin’s theory of sexual selection states “ members of one sex choose a mate based on their preferences for particular qualities in that mate” (Buss 263). We choose to have children with individuals who have traits that will support, love and provide for the children for the duration. Wright explains how emotions like paternal love have evolved into human genes from our past. Possibly paternal love stemmed from “an upsurge in predators, say-made it more likely that the offspring of undevoted, unprotected fathers would perish” (Wright 284). These characteristics live on because these individuals beat out others without these characteristics. Thus, the ‘winner’ reproduces and the ‘loser does not and their genes die with them, and monogamy lives on.

     Of course, obstacles exist that may hinder a heterosexual monogamous marriage. Traits that mates choose to foster a heterosexual monogamous union are”…feelings for love, desire for sex, or jealousy” (Buss 266). We may think of jealousy as an obstacle to monogamy. Instead, jealousy is an attitude that has evolved to preserve heterosexual monogamous marriage and “combat(s) infidelity” (Buss 270). The mate who protects their marriage has more opportunity for continued reproduction.

     Contraception is another possible obstacle to present day reproduction. Contraception is another way to extend our choices to foster the heterosexual monogamous marriage. It gives us the ability to plan for an optimal child rearing environment. What better situation to have children in than when you are healthy and have the resources to do so.

     Finally, technology plays a supportive role in the heterosexual monogamous marriage by giving opportunity for creating well matched mates. Prior to the advent of the computer, most humans were tied to a small social group revolving around school or work to find that perfect match. Now there is a higher likelihood of finding the perfect mate. Those well suited for one another have a better chance for a long lasting union.

     In conclusion, Evolutionary Psychology “illuminates the tremendous flexibility fo the human mind and the powerful role of environment in shaping behavior” (Wright 280). Humans are on the right track to select for the key traits to pass on to the next generation. Each generation thereafter will be stronger to support and maintain a heterosexual monogamous marriage and may possibly boost the marriage success rate past 50%. These are the genes fighting the good fight for heterosexual monogamous marriage.