Introduction
The evolutionary explanation is a broad concept that illustrates and interprets the disparities arising from sex and gender. Numerous suppositions are emanating from evolutionary concepts. They focus on explaining the distinctions that occur among humans. This paper presents romantic jealousy as the best evidence that supports evolutionary explanations based on sex and differences constructed by the community. Furthermore, it criticizes evolutionary validation on jealousy. Critics note that man’s concern about their partner’s infidelity arises from the need to safeguard their position. Concurrently, women focus on financial and emotional stability.
Romantic Jealousy
Jealousy is a depressing situation that emanates from superficial danger to an individual’s relationship. Evolutionary theory claims that man’s disappointments about sexual betrayal arise from the supposition that they risk supporting offsprings that they did not sire (Ward & Voracek, 2004). This is because men believe that their partner’s extramarital involvement results in intimate interaction with additional men. This interaction leads to pregnancy, which husbands would assume as their responsibility (Cramer, Abraham, Johnson & Ryan, 2001). Concurrently, women focus on their partner’s emotional unfaithfulness. The theory affirms that when men enter into relationships with additional women their partners become concerned because such men often stop offering financial assistance. This means that the men will hardly perform their gender roles (Cramer et al., 2001).
The varying response shown by men and women based on infidelity arose from diverse reproductive tests while undergoing human development. Furthermore, women’s awareness that offspring belong to them given that fertilization happens internally is a reassuring concept (Ward & Voracek, 2004). Furthermore, a man will employ certain tactics to stop other men with sexual advances. Jealousy is evidence for evolutionary processes. This is apparent in sexual characteristics and gender since women and men respond differently to infidelity (Sesardic, 2003).
Strongest Criticism of Evolutionary Explanations
The strongest criticism on the evolutionary explanation of romantic infidelity does not wholly concern the uncertainty men have on offspring. Evolutionary explanation critiques focus on the argument advanced by men regarding their partner’s intimate approach to additional relationships (Cramer et al., 2001). The theory indicates that men are also troubled when their partners develop intimate feelings for additional men (Sesardic, 2003). The critics also observe that married women engaging in unfaithful sexual acts have opportunities to develop stronger feelings for other men.
Furthermore, critiques also observe that men become disappointed about their wives ‘ unfaithfulness because of the threats such acts pose on their associations. The evolutionary explanation indicates that men’s uncertainty on their offspring is disappointing (Cramer et al., 2001). Conversely, critiques argue that men’s disappointment does not stem from false paternity, but originates from the effect of women’s unfaithfulness on the relationship.
Conclusion
In summary, romantic infidelity supports the evolutionary explanations on sexual category and gender. The theory signifies that unfaithfulness causes diverse reactions among people. The theory claims that men’s disappointment emanates from sexual disloyalty advanced by women. This is because men fear that they would support children sired by other males. Conversely, women are troubled by emotional infidelity because they fear their men would commit their feelings elsewhere. However, critiques of the evolutionary theory argue that romance leads to disappointments among men. This goes beyond the view proposed by the theory that uncertain offspring paternity upsets men.
References
- Cramer, R., Abraham, W., Johnson, L., & Ryan, B. (2001). Gender differences in subjective distress to emotional and sexual infidelity: Evolutionary or logical inference explanation. Current Psychology, Vol. 20 4, 327-336.
- Sesardic, N. (2003). Evolution of Human Jealousy A Just-So Story or a Just-So Criticism. Philosophy of the Social Sciences December, Vol. 33, 427-443.
- Ward, J., & Voracek, M. (2004). Evolutionary and Social Cognitive Explanations of Sex Differences in Romantic Jealousy. Australian Journal of Psychology, Vol. 56, 3, 165-171.