Evolutionary Theories of Relationships Why do we have relationships?

Evolutionary Theories Evolutionary theories believe that our behaviour is a result of evolution in order to maximise our Survival Reproduction Darwin – animals and humans adapt to their environment over long periods of time or they will become extinct. This is called natural selection.

(1) Evolutionary Theories in Relationships Men and woman have adapted differently as they have different needs/ goals in order to maximise survival and reproduction Women – Can only have a limited number of children and invest a lot in them (pregnancy, nursing, etc). Look for a mate who can and is willing to provide resources for her and her children. Men – Can have as many as he likes. Look for women who are fertile and will be faithful (they don’t want to raise another man’s child).

Evolutionary significant characteristics With these needs in mind the characteristics that we look for are (reproduction) : Women look for men who have a social and economic advantage Humour and kindness. Men look for women who are young and healthy. Both sexes look for partners who are healthy and have good genes as this suggests that their offspring are more likely to be healthy (survival).

Evaluation of the Evolutionary Theory – supporting research Waynforth and Dunbar, 1995 – personal adverts in newspapers. Buss et al, 1992 – infidelity and distress. Buss, 1989 – Age preference and culture

Evaluation - Limitations Social influences – cultural differences in what we find attractive. Human conscious processes?

(2)Role of Attachment Bowlby’s Theory of Attachment, 1969. Survival – attachment ensures vulnerable infants are cared for. Reproduction – attachments early in life form the basis of our relationships in later life (Continuity Hypothesis)

Attachment – Continuity Hypothesis. Bowlby, 1969 Ainsworth, 1967 found 3 types of attachment. Type of Attachment Mother’s behaviour in infancy. Behaviour in adulthood Secure Reliable in response to infant – sensitive to their needs Confident. Socially successful. Insecure – resistant Slow to respond to infant Anxious Insecure - avoidant Cold and unresponsive. Distant and detached.

Task – Harry Potter Consider the three types of attachment, mother’s behaviour and behaviour in adulthood. What attachment style could each of the three main Harry Potter characters be categorised as? Justify your answer.

Evaluation of attachment – Supporting Research Hazan and Shaver, 1987 – Romantic relationships. Sroufe et al, 1999 – Social competence McCarthy, 1999 – Longitudinal Study.

Evaluation of attachment - limitations Temperament Hypothesis? Matching Hypothesis?