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Sex and romance are close evolutionary bedfellows
Edward R Morrison1, Mohamed Ismail Abdul Kader1
1Centre for Comparative and Evolutionary Psychology, University of Portsmouth, King Henry Building, Portsmouth, Hampshire, UK ed.morrison@port.ac.uk ismail.abdul-kader@port.ac.uk.
The Behavioral and Brain Sciences
|June 1, 2026
Summary
Evolutionary theory suggests romantic relationships are more crucial for men than women. This pattern, seen in human mating systems, implies romance has historically been linked to sex.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary psychology
- Human mating systems
- Behavioral ecology
Background:
- Evolutionary theory posits sex differences in mating strategies, with males typically more ardent and females more coy.
- Human mating systems are largely monogamous, intertwining sexual and romantic relationship pursuits.
- The modern separation of sex from romance may diverge from ancestral human experiences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the evolutionary basis of differing importance placed on romantic relationships by men and women.
- To explore how human mating systems influence the connection between sex and romance.
- To contextualize the modern decoupling of sex and romance within evolutionary history.
Main Methods:
- Review of evolutionary psychology principles related to mating.
- Analysis of human mating system characteristics (e.g., monogamy).
- Theoretical comparison of ancestral versus modern relationship dynamics.
Main Results:
- Evolutionary theory supports the hypothesis that romantic relationships hold greater significance for men.
- The typical human mating pattern aligns with 'ardent males, coy females' but is moderated by monogamy.
- Current trends of decoupling sex and romance may represent a recent deviation from evolutionary norms.
Conclusions:
- The greater importance of romantic relationships for men is consistent with evolutionary theory.
- Human monogamy historically linked sexual and romantic relationship goals.
- Modern shifts in relationship dynamics may not reflect long-term evolutionary patterns.
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