Why is it evolutionary adaptive for men and women to be jealous?
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Why is it evolutionary adaptive for men and women to be jealous? In other words, what would a man and woman have to lose if their partner were cheating?
If the partner were cheating there would be a problem in raising children because a man’s attention would be diverted and would not have enough time to be with the children and provide for their daily needs. The man would also be threatened if the woman was cheating because there are chances of raising children that are not his own. When a man cheats his ego is threatened which leads to loss of self-esteem. When a man develops a strong and meaningful relationship with another woman, there is a risk of leaving the other partner for that other woman. When a woman finds that a man is cheating she is angered and feel depressed which leads to self-blame and start comparing their qualities with those of the rival. When a woman is cheating the man will have to spend more time with her to ensure that she does not have time to meet her potential mates and spends a lot of money to buy her jewelry, clothing and enhancing her appearance.
In the first study, marriage is protected from adultery that would affect children and jealousy would help both man and woman to be responsible to the family and play their roles as expected by society. The findings are that any third party is a rival and a trespasser who should always be disapproved. There should be rules to be followed in a marriage that prohibits extramarital sex.
The second study shows views of jealousy in different societies where it is experienced more if there are restrictive norms. The findings show that the beliefs and values of people determine the experience they have about jealousy. The strict taboo about adultery makes partners who are suspicious to use spies to follow their partners and know whether they cheat. Culture helps to protect marriages from intrusion by any rival by punishing those who cheat and restoring relationships.
The third study shows that jealousy is significant in all societies because it helps to prevent partners from committing adultery. The findings show that jealousy protects all relationships and helps them to last. Marriage was arranged by parents and it had nothing to do with love because parents would choose marriage partners for their children. After the protestant revolution, marriage was based on love and choosing one’s partner without involving the parents
Two limitations of the study are that it has not provided a solution to the insecurity that leads to jealousy or ways of proving that there is cheating. The problem of low self-esteem has not been solved to reduce instances of jealousy.