Detail the outcomes predicted by sex ratio theory both for when men outnumber women and when women outnumber men. Include in your discussion outcomes for power, partner selectivity, promiscuity, and commitment. What is the state of the evidence for the theory? Describe at least two pieces of evidence related to the theory.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

According to sex ratio theory when men outnumber women, women should hold more dyadic power because they have a larger pool of potential partners and more alternatives to choose from if they grow dissatisfied with current partners. As their dyadic power increases, heterosexual women should become more selective, placing more emphasis on high-quality male mates who exhibit signs of status, commitment, and financial resources. Heterosexual men, who must attract partners from a relatively small pool, should display more desirable qualities to increase their appeal as mates. When women outnumber men, men tend to have more dyadic power because they have a larger pool of potential mates. According to sex ratio theory, the availability of numerous female partners should encourage male promiscuity and discourage male commitment to any one partner, so heterosexual marriage rates will decline, people will marry later, and divorce rates will climb. In contrast to the theory, we lack evidence that women’s mate preferences are more selective when men outnumber them. In support of the theory, however, men tend to show more relationship and family commitment when they outnumber women, resulting in lower divorce rates.