Evolutionary explanations of gender

Evolutionary explanations are different from biological explanations of gender development (in terms of genes and hormones) but don't contradict them. Rather they deal with 'distal' or 'ultimate' causes (why biological differences, and hence psychological ones, have come about between males and females) whereas the biological explanations deal with 'proximate' or 'immediate' causes - how these differences become manifest.

There are different evolutionary theories - you should know two and we have covered:
Sexual Division of Labour - the idea that men are psychologically specialised for hunting, and women for gathering and child rearing.
Parental Investment Theory - the idea that different reproductive behaviour gives men and women the best chance of passing on their genes (women should exercise more 'quality control' when deciding who to have sex with, and should only have sex when they are reasonably sure that they will have the support they need to raise a child).

Here is the presentation from the lesson.

Here is a blog post that give a bit of insight into the controversy that rages around evolutionary explanations - it has some links that would be worth exploring if you have the time.

An essay on this is due on Wednesday 7th November:
"Discuss two or more evolutionary explanations for differences in gender role."
8 marks AO1 + 16 marks AO2
Handwrite or word process, but don't make it too long - aim for 600-800 words (the length you will hopefully be capable of in 25 minutes come June!).