David M.

Buss’s Article Response

I am aware that in human mate preferences, certain characteristics such as financial

security, fertility and behavior are important in promoting one’s selection levels. Therefore, as I

engaged with the article on sexual differences in human mate preferences, I acquired the insight

that in both males and females the desires in a preferred mate are characterized by their

varying capacities both physically and sociably. The primary field of investigation in the

article based on what people tend to do as they search for a prospective mate, identifying the

concept of human desires. In examining this ideology, the author, in six continents studied and

analyzed 37 cultures comprising of more than ten thousand subjects  The article identified that

males were often more inclined on selecting their desired mates with relation to  physical appeal

and age characterized by youth. While on the other hand, females were attracted to males with

respect to their capacities financial availability and security.   

 In the American culture, this does not sound surprising, since males always desire

and prefer physically beautiful and attractive mates, and alternatively females identify wealthy

and financially available mates as more desirable and suitable.  According to the article's

findings, these attributes were identified in most of the studied cultures and, played

a significant role in influencing the mate preference selection among males and females. Thus,

from the article I acquired further knowledge that the estimation of wealth associated to a man

might vary, however, their desirability and suitable and preferred mates by females does not

change. 

As I read the article, the author developed a strong hypothesis from the research

conducted, as well as, from the knowledge gained from previous studies. Through the

hypothesis, the article provides a credible argument explaining why people choose a partner and
the approach applied in doing so.  The concept is traced back to humanity's ancestral

background, that is, from the early humans as deduced through Darwin's evolution theory. The

early human ancestors were mainly focused on survival as changes occurred overtime, thus,

forcing them to evolve and adapt to the evolutionary variations. Therefore, in order to achieve

this, procreation was necessary and essential to them. As the desire for survival heightened, the

mating preferences from women were males capable of protecting and fending for them. As

such, a male's wealth was determined by his social position, resilience and fighting capacity,

both in protecting himself and his female mate.  According to the article, across time and

generations the characteristics were inherited and deeply became rooted in our subconscious. 

The article still presents credible arguments to my insight, by noting that

female characteristics, particularly skin tone and clear skin are desirable and preferred by males

because acne shows high levels of testosterone, which suggest the possibility of ovarian

dysfunction. Additionally, men want women who have low hip-to-waist ratios, indicating

aspects fertility and, thus, prospects in siring children. In contrast, women have preferences for

males who can cater for and support their needs. A financially secure man is thus the most

suitable spouse, as he displays the capacity to safeguard and defend the family.

Finally, the analysis by Buss on diverse populations and investigation in the context of

sexual wants and preferences has contributed to the relevant information gathered. A number of

several psychologists have worked on the subject, utilizing the article's findings and information.

Therefore, I acknowledge that the study has enabled my ability to understand my human

characteristics more effectively.