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Establishing a link between cultural evolution and sexually transmitted diseases
1Department of Psychiatry, Case Western Reserve University, MetroHealth Medical Center Campus, Cleveland, OH.
Genetic, Social, and General Psychology Monographs
|February 12, 1998
Summary
Archaic sexually transmitted diseases may have shaped cultural traditions by limiting sexual partners. Modern STIs still impact fertility and infant mortality, potentially reinforcing these cultural norms.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary Anthropology
- Public Health
- Sociology
Background:
- Sexually transmitted diseases (STIs) have historically influenced human societies.
- Understanding the interplay between disease, culture, and reproductive health is crucial.
Observation:
- Current STIs significantly reduce female fertility and increase infant mortality, particularly where antibiotics are scarce.
- These adverse health outcomes pose a substantial threat to community well-being and population stability.
Findings:
- Cultural traditions, including expectations for fewer sexual partners, may have evolved as responses to historical STI threats.
- These norms are hypothesized to be shaped by biological factors like paternity certainty and existing social structures.
Implications:
- Cultural practices regarding sexual behavior can be influenced by public health challenges.
- Studying contemporary societies, like the United States, can illuminate the mechanisms behind the development and persistence of such cultural adaptations.
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