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Sex differences in human gregariousness
Joyce F Benenson1, Sandra Stella1, Anthony Ferranti1
1Emmanuel College , Boston, MA , USA.
Peerj
|June 4, 2015
Summary
Human males, particularly after age 5, display greater gregariousness, forming larger peer groups than females. This study observed young children choosing play areas, finding males preferred same-sex peers more often.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary anthropology
- Developmental psychology
- Behavioral ecology
Background:
- Human sociality research often overlooks kinship, social structure, sex, and familiarity, despite their influence in non-human primates.
- Studies indicate human males and females develop distinct social structures with unrelated peers after age 5.
- Human males exhibit greater tolerance and form larger, interconnected peer groups, termed 'gregariousness,' compared to females.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate sex differences in gregariousness among young children.
- To examine early-life social preferences before extensive adult supervision.
- To understand the emergence of sex-based social structures in peer interactions.
Main Methods:
- Observational study involving 3- to 6-year-old children.
- Children were presented with a choice of three play areas: empty, with an adult, or with a familiar, same-sex peer.
- Behavioral choices regarding play area selection were recorded.
Main Results:
- More males than females initially chose the play area with a familiar, same-sex peer.
- This sex difference in preference for same-sex peers was more pronounced after age 5.
- Children's choices indicated emerging sex-based social preferences in peer settings.
Conclusions:
- Sex differences in gregariousness with same-sex peers are evident early in human development.
- These findings suggest a biological basis for differing male and female social structures.
- Gregariousness with same-sex peers represents a fundamental aspect of human sociality.
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