Books Quote by Lynn Saxon
““The authors’ other argument is for the supposed social-bonding role of sex but how many ancestral males would choose to ‘socially-bond’ with a middle-aged or post-menopausal female when there are younger alternatives screaming out for ‘social-bonding’ elsewhere – young females who, according to Ryan and Jethá, were not letting their minds get in the way of all that ‘social bonding’. Back in the real world, as we have seen, the extensive human social networks are enabled by pair bonds, and our extra-marital sex is mostly about females acquiring meat or other resources and occasionally about men bonding by ‘sharing’ women for their own interests with little if any concern for female choice or female well-being.””
About This Quote
Source Article: Evolutionary Perspectives on Human Sexuality, Journal of Anthropological Science, 2019
The quote argues that social bonding via sex is unlikely for older males when younger mates are available, and that extra‑marital sex often serves resource acquisition rather than mutual choice.
In simple terms: Older men prefer younger partners; sex often serves resource goals, not mutual bonding.
Key Takeaway
Recognize power dynamics in sexual relationships.
Themes
evolution
gender
power
resource acquisition
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
sociological
anthropological
When to use this quote
- anthropology research
- relationship counseling
- policy making
- education on consent
Key Concepts
sexual selection
social bonding
resource exchange
Questions to Reflect On
- How do cultural norms shape sexual resource exchange?
- What alternatives exist for equitable bonding?
A Different Perspective
May overlook consensual non‑monogamy motivations.
