How could evolutionary psychology explain Stacy’s relationships with men? How does this compare with Sullivan’s explanation?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Evolutionary psychology suggests that social behaviors are of evolutionary benefit. Thus, even gender roles can be seen as being of benefit to the species, passed on from one generation to the next through our genes. Stacy’s traditionally feminine, passive role, can be seen in this light. She is engaging in behaviors that have had adaptive significance for the human species by helping them to survive. Furthermore, her promiscuity can be seen as being motivated by the need to pass on her genes through reproduction. Stacy’s experience with an abusive partner can be seen as the partner carrying out a traditional masculine role, which, again, is of evolutionary benefit. Furthermore, the abusive and controlling behavior will make it less likely that Stacy will leave the relationship and less likely that she will cuckold him, a concern for males who are also driven to pass on their genes but are less confident that babies are actually theirs.
The evolutionary perspective is quite different from that of Sullivan. Evolutionary psychologists see behavior as being due to biological factors, whereas Sullivan’s emphasis was on social/interpersonal factors.