Slash fiction and human mating psychology

Area of Science:

• Evolutionary Psychology
• Media Studies
• Human Sexuality

Background:

• Multibillion dollar global industries of romance novels and pornography reveal significant differences in male and female erotic fantasies.
• These disparities are rooted in distinct evolutionary selection pressures experienced by males and females throughout human history.
• Unobtrusive measures offer valuable insights into studying fundamental aspects of human nature.

Purpose of the Study:

• To re-examine "slash" fiction, a genre depicting romantic or sexual relationships between fictional characters, as an erotic genre.
• To contextualize slash fiction within romance genres and female sexual psychology.
• To explore slash fiction featuring two female characters and the broader appeal of fiction.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of "slash" fiction as an erotic genre.
• Examination of existing research on romance novels and pornography.
• Review of female sexual psychology and evolutionary perspectives on mating strategies.
• Consideration of fictional portrayals involving male-male and female-female romantic/sexual relationships.

Main Results:

• The study highlights stark contrasts between male and female erotic fantasies, evidenced by the romance and pornography industries.
• "Slash" fiction, particularly the depiction of relationships between male protagonists (e.g., Kirk and Spock), is analyzed as a specific erotic genre.
• The appeal of fiction, including slash fiction with female characters, is considered in relation to psychological and evolutionary factors.

Conclusions:

• Differences in male and female erotic fantasies are shaped by evolutionary history.
• Slash fiction serves as a unique lens to understand eroticism, romance, and sexual psychology.
• The study underscores the utility of unobtrusive research methods for exploring human nature and fictional media's role.