Foundational Theories & Hypotheses
Dual-Mating Strategy (Strategic Pluralism)
Women may pursue desirable genes (short-term, high-attractiveness mates) and reliable provisioners (long-term partners) depending on context.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strategic_pluralismGot it — here’s the full breakdown again, but with raw text URLs so you can copy/paste them clean.
Foundational Theories & Hypotheses
- Dual-Mating Strategy (Strategic Pluralism)
Women may pursue desirable genes (short-term, high-attractiveness mates) and reliable provisioners (long-term partners) depending on context.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strategic_pluralism
https://arxiv.org/abs/1807.09131 -
Mate-Switching Hypothesis vs Good-Genes Hypothesis
- Good-genes hypothesis: Women secure genetic benefits via extra-pair affairs while relying on a provider.
- Mate-switching hypothesis: Infidelity is part of testing or replacing the current long-term partner.
Empirical results suggest mate-switching may better explain most infidelity cases, though both may coexist.
https://labs.la.utexas.edu/buss/files/2013/02/The-Mate-Switching-Hypothesis-FINAL-PUBLISHED-2017.pdf
https://www.getrecall.ai/summary/chris-williamson/the-new-science-of-why-women-cheat-macken-murphy
https://www.hbes.com/mate-switching-vs-dual-mating/
Empirical Evidence
-
Recent Infidelity Study (2024)
Survey results across 19 countries:- Affair partners rated more physically attractive but lower in parenting ability.
- Primary partners rated better at caregiving.
Supports the “get genes from one, stay with provider” model.
Men show similar dual logic in their affairs.
https://www.psypost.org/why-do-women-cheat-new-study-reveals-complex-motivations-behind-female-infidelity/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mate_guarding_in_humans
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10600567/
- Low Actual Cuckoldry Rates
Non-paternity (actual cuckoldry) rates are very low (0.9–3.7%), challenging the prevalence of dual-mating in modern humans.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strategic_pluralism
https://labs.la.utexas.edu/buss/files/2013/02/The-Mate-Switching-Hypothesis-FINAL-PUBLISHED-2017.pdf
Related Evolutionary Dynamics
- Serial Monogamy & Clandestine Affairs
Theory suggests covert infidelity may be part of human reproductive strategy—even within monogamous societies.
https://helenfisher.com/serial-monogamy-and-clandestine-adultery-evolution-and-consequences-of-the-dual-human-reproductive-strategy/ - Female Mate Guarding & Resistance
Women resist mate-guarding when they perceive their mate lacks genetic quality. Ovulatory cycles shift desire, making extra-pair interest more likely during fertile phases.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mate_guarding_in_humans -
Mate Choice Trade-Offs
Women adjust mating priorities based on context:- Short-term ventures favor physical attractiveness.
- Long-term partnerships value stability, resources, dependability.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mate_choice_in_humans
https://www.psypost.org/why-do-women-cheat-new-study-reveals-complex-motivations-behind-female-infidelity/
Critical Perspectives
- Misuse in Manosphere Discourse
Some manosphere communities weaponize these theories via genetic-determinist meme logic (i.e., “alpha fucks, beta bucks”) without nuance.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10600567/ - Limited Generalizability
Dual-mating and mate-switching theories, while plausible, may explain only a subset of behaviors. Cultural factors and individual variation remain key variables.
https://labs.la.utexas.edu/buss/files/2013/02/The-Mate-Switching-Hypothesis-FINAL-PUBLISHED-2017.pdf
Summary Table
Concept / Study Area | What It Shows |
---|---|
Dual-Mating Strategy | Women value genetic quality & provisioning abilities in mate selection. |
Mate-Switching vs Good-Genes | Affords a fuller explanation for female infidelity behavior. |
Infidelity Studies (2024) | Physical attraction drives affairs; caregiving marks long-term loyalty. |
Low Cuckoldry Rate Data | Suggests most men are not biologically cuckolded despite infidelity claims. |
Mate Guarding & Ovulation Effects | Women’s desire and strategies shift with fertility cycles. |
Misuses & Critiques | The theories are often stripped of nuance in online discourse. |