A Gender-related Interpretation of Human Reproductive Behavior

Background: This paper explores the evolutionary origins of human mating behavior. By reviewing the behavior of other primates and our ancestors, we try to hypothesize how human mating behavior has evolved into contemporary patterns. Purpose: We observe growing concern about couple relationships and acts of gender-oriented harassment and violence. As psychoanalysts, our patients frequently express anguish and confusion about their sentimental life. We also encounter cases of intra-couple violence and related emotional suffering. Understanding the evolutionary contribution to our behaviors and impulses can help address some of these issues. Methods: We analyze current knowledge on the origins of our species to argue whether human ancestors were high- or low-competition species. We then hypothesize about the evolution of human mating behavior in relation to the introduction of bipedalism and the growth of cranial volume. We interpret contemporary human mating behaviors in light of our phylogenesis. We also present a mathematical approach to mating in an attempt to forge an objective approach to these highly sensitive arguments. Results: We propose that the transition to bipedalism caused humans to evolve rapidly from a medium-competition to a low-competition species due to the immaturity of their newborns. We posit that since this evolution occurred over a relatively short period on an evolutionary scale, it left vestiges of our medium-competition past in our collective subconscious. We conjecture that this understanding may shed some light on the issues we witness in couple relationships, contributing to their interpretation. From the psychoanalytic standpoint, this offers an intriguing perspective on addressing problematic attitudes and the resulting suffering at the personal and social levels.