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Why are world religions so concerned with sexual behavior?
1Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, 950 S. McAllister Ave., Tempe, AZ 85287-1104, USA.
Current Opinion in Psychology
|September 3, 2020
Summary
This study proposes that mating strategies are key to understanding religion. Religious behaviors may stem from preferences for restricted mating, potentially offering reproductive advantages through increased paternal certainty and reduced offspring mortality.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary Psychology
- Sociology of Religion
- Anthropology
Background:
- Sexual morality is a common theme across many religions.
- Existing research often overlooks the role of mating strategies in religious adherence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose the reproductive-religiosity model, linking religious behavior to mating strategies.
- To explore the reproductive benefits and social implications of religion through an evolutionary lens.
- To examine the role of mating strategies in the evolution of religion.
Main Methods:
- Theoretical framework development.
- Literature review of evolutionary psychology, sociology, and religious studies.
- Conceptual analysis of reproductive benefits and social dynamics.
Main Results:
- Religious behavior may be partly driven by preferences for restricted mating strategies.
- Religion can enhance reproductive success by increasing paternal certainty and promoting alloparenting.
- Reproductive-religiosity influences mate selection and trust dynamics.
Conclusions:
- Mating strategies offer a novel and powerful framework for understanding religion's origins and persistence.
- Future research should explore religion's evolution through the lens of mating interests.
- The reproductive-religiosity model provides a basis for future interdisciplinary studies on religion.
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