The Evolutionary Explanation of Man–Boy Eroticism: Comment on Rind (2015)

David F. Greenberg

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    Abstract

    Objectives: The paper comments on Bruce Rind's (this volume, 2013) attempts to explain the origins of erotic attraction and relationships between boys and men in the process of natural selection in the course of human evolution. Methods: Cross-species, historical and cross-cultural evidence are used. Conclusions: For most individuals, man-boy eroticism could be a facultative trait, not an obligatory trait. Its evolutionary origins and its social functions cannot be ascertained with certainty at this time, but may have to do with the promotion of male solidarity in the face of conflict between men and women in gender-stratified societies.

    Original languageEnglish (US)
    Pages (from-to)212-215
    Number of pages4
    JournalInternational Journal of Sexual Health
    Volume27
    Issue number3
    DOIs
    StatePublished - Jul 3 2015

    Keywords

    • Same-sex eroticism
    • facultative trait
    • natural selection

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • Gender Studies
    • Social Psychology
    • Reproductive Medicine
    • Dermatology
    • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

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