The Oxford Handbook of Human Mating

The scientific study of human mating has grown significantly in the past three decades, leading to new discoveries about mate attraction, choice, retention, satisfaction, jealousy, infidelity, violence, and more. The Oxford Handbook of Human Mating, edited by David M. Buss, summarizes the latest theories and empirical evidence from the field, guided by sexual selection theory. This comprehensive volume covers various aspects of human mating, including theories, selection, competition, conflict, pair bonding, and modern mating practices.

Format: Hardback
Length: 864 pages
Publication date: 13 March 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

The scientific exploration of human mating has experienced a remarkable surge over the past three decades, resulting in a wealth of evolving literature that has unveiled fresh insights into various aspects of mate attraction, choice, retention, marital satisfaction, jealousy, infidelity, intimate partner violence, breakups, internet dating, cyberstalking, and sexual coercion. In The Oxford Handbook of Human Mating, editor David M. Buss presents a compilation of contributions from esteemed scientists at the forefront of this field, offering up-to-date summaries of theories and empirical evidence pertaining to the science of human mating strategies.

Sexual selection theory has emerged as a guiding force in much of the research conducted within this domain. Spanning over 150 years since Darwin's initial proposal, this theory has become the preeminent theoretical framework for studying the mating strategies of all sexually reproducing species, including humans. A vast body of research centered around Darwin's seminal work has illuminated the intricate complexities of human mate competition and choice, exploring how these processes vary between sexes, as well as their dependence on factors such as sex ratio, mate value, social contexts, ovulation cycles, personality traits, and cultural norms and mating rituals. Consequently, the field of human mating is now poised for a comprehensive collection of scholarly works by renowned experts.

David M. Buss, a prominent researcher and pioneer in the study of human mating strategies, brings his extensive expertise to the curation of this volume. The handbook is organized into major sections that cover various aspects of human mating, including theories of human mating, mate selection and attraction, mate competition, sexual conflict in mating, human pair bonding, the endocrinology of mating, and mating in the modern world. Each section is authored by leading scholars in their respective fields, providing a comprehensive and authoritative overview of the current state of knowledge in the field.

The Oxford Handbook of Human Mating serves as a valuable resource for researchers, scholars, and students interested in understanding the intricate dynamics of human mating. It offers a comprehensive and up-to-date synthesis of the latest research and theories, providing a deeper understanding of the factors that influence mate choice, relationship formation, and sexual behavior. By presenting a diverse range of perspectives and methodologies, the handbook fosters interdisciplinary dialogue and encourages further exploration of the complex and multifaceted nature of human mating.

In conclusion, the scientific study of human mating has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent decades, driven by a surge in research and a growing interest in understanding the complexities of human relationships. The Oxford Handbook of Human Mating serves as a testament to the progress made in this field, presenting a comprehensive and authoritative overview of the latest research and theories. With its contributions from esteemed scientists and its interdisciplinary approach, the handbook is poised to inspire future generations of researchers and scholars to explore the rich tapestry of human mating and its implications for our understanding of human behavior and society.

Weight: 1686g
Dimension: 261 x 192 x 46 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197536438