Sexual selection and human ornamentation

Evolutionary Theory and Human Social Organization • Duxbury Press • North Scituate, Mass. • Published In • Pages: 462-486 •
By Low, Bobbi S.

Abstract

This chapter examines the role of male and female ornamentation. Several hypotheses concerning mating systems and ornamentation are empirically tested; several are supported.

Samples

Sample Used Coded Data Comment
HRAF Collection of Ethnography (paper/fiche)Researchers Own

Hypotheses (6)

HypothesisSupported
Ornamentation will occur in all societies and will differ between the sexes (469).Supported
Male and female ornamentation should be low in ecologically monogamous societies (469).Supported
Male-male competition and degree of male ornamentation will be positively associated with harem polygyny and promiscuous polygyny (469, 485).Not Supported
Male and female ornamentation will be positively associated with socially-imposed monogamy (469, 485).Not Supported
In ecologically monogamous societies, male and female ornaments will be equally discriminating about within-sex status (485).Supported
Mated females will be less ornamented and male ornamentation will vary by puberty, wealth, or power (469).Supported
Documents and Hypotheses Filed By: Kate Cummings  Amelia Piazza