Societal Influences on Gender, Mate Selection, and Communication

Understanding Gender Indicators

Indicators of gender have developed in our culture, and perhaps in all cultures of the world, to meet the need to differentiate men from women. At birth, one could say that we are largely uniform; however, from a young age, we are constantly strengthening our behavior to align ourselves with established behavioral patterns. For example, a child might be encouraged to play soccer or engage in active play, while a girl might play with dolls.

Society, therefore, holds significant power and influence over the large mass of the population, encouraging behavior through convention. This includes dress and grooming requirements that successfully fulfill sex indicators. Furthermore, we possess secondary sexual characteristics that emerge from birth through youth, such as physical genitals or breasts, which contribute to differentiation. When these features are also supported by tertiary characteristics—such as haircuts, clothing, and mentality—we observe the existing differences between genders, marking the victory of these indicators over initial uniformity.

Evolutionary Psychology: Buss's Mate Selection Thesis

In Chapter 2 of The Evolution of Desire, David Buss discusses his thesis on the requirements a woman sets when seeking a mate. She aims to find a partner who is most beneficial in all areas for her and her offspring. Requirements are often set for economic capacity, as good social status implies greater control of resources. These resources, in turn, involve access to food, housing, healthcare, and greater opportunities for her children.

Women also tend to seek older men because they are generally more stable, mature, and better able to acquire and exploit resources for their family. However, they typically do not seek men who are too much older, as there is a risk that the partner may die prematurely, leaving the family unprotected. Other desirable traits include ambition at work, formality, stability, intelligence, good health, size, and strength. The more pronounced these characteristics, the greater a woman's desire to be with that man. This desire is often driven not so much by sexual attraction, but by the maternal instinct and the fundamental need to care for her children and herself.

The Dynamics of Nonverbal Communication

Nonverbal communication is present wherever there is social interaction. Nonverbal signs are primarily composed of visual and gestural cues. While verbal communication is explicit, nonverbal communication is often immediate, almost uncontrollable, and unconscious. Its interpretation can be highly dependent on specific space and time contexts.

Kinesics: The Study of Body Language

Kinesics is the study of all behavioral signs emitted naturally or culturally, focusing on body movements and gestures as a form of nonverbal communication.