Paternity Uncertainty and Parent–Offspring Conflict Explain Restrictions on Female Premarital Sex across Societies

Human Nature • Vol/Iss. 33 • Springer • • Published In • Pages: 215-235 •
By Šaffa, Gabriel, Duda, Pavel, Zrzavý, Jan

Abstract

This study tests competing theories about whether it is men, women, or parents who benefit most from restricting female premarital sex (FPS) in a global sample of 128 non-industrial societies. The study found support for the idea that multiple parties benefit from restrictions on FPS -- specifically FPS is more restricted in societies intolerant of extramarital sex and where men transfer property to their children (male control), as well as where marriages are arranged by parents (parental control). They also found that major predictors of FPS appear to be paternity uncertainty and parent-offspring conflict. Furthermore, the study found that multiple factors such as social roles, rather than stereotyped sex roles, are a more useful approach in understanding FPS restrictions and these restrictions.

Samples

Sample Used Coded Data Comment
Standard Cross Cultural Sample (SCCS)CombinationAll data for 128 non-WEIRD societies

Hypotheses (11)

HypothesisSupported
Female premarital sex is more likely to be restricted in societies that do not allow for extramarital sex.Supported
Female premarital sex is more likely to be restricted in societies with higher direct paternal investment.Not supported
Female premarital sex is more likely to be restricted in societies in which children inherit directly from their fathers.Supported
Female premarital sex is more likely to be restricted in societies where female contribution to subsistence is low.Supported
Female premarital sex is more likely to be restricted in societies with more men than women.Supported
Female premarital sex is more likely to be restricted in societies where marriage arrangements are under parental control.Supported
Female premarital sex is more likely to be restricted in societies where fathers have more control over marriage than mothers.Supported
Female premarital sex is more likely to be restricted in patrilocal societies.Partially Supported
Female premarital sex is more likely to be restricted in societies in which marriage involves a bride-price.Not supported
Female premarital sex is more likely to be restricted in societies in which marriage involves a gift exchange.Supported
Female premarital sex is more likely to be restricted in societies in which marriage involves a dowry.Not supported
Documents and Hypotheses Filed By: matthew.g.roth  jacob.kalodner