Evolutionary explanation

• Supporting evidence

  Sadalla et al (1987)- found that women were more sexually attracted to the male showing dominant/aggressive behaviour.
• However point for Sadalla et al

  The aggressive men were not always liked, showing that mate preference is based on survival not happiness.
• Practical applications

  Mate retention strategies can be an early predictor of violence against a female partner.

  Wilson et al (1995) found that 72% of men who reported their partner using direct guarding went on to be physically assaulted.
• Contradictory evidence

  There are cultural differences in violence by men against their partners.

  • Aggression towards women:
  • The Yanomamo (South America) = high
  • The Aka (Africa) = low
• Other explanations

  Social learning theory
• Issues and debates

  Determinism
• Limitations

  • Evolutionary explanations are speculative
  • Cannot be scientifically tested
  • Lack empirical support