Reproductive value (social psychology)
Reproductive value (RV) is a term used in social psychology to describe the level of attractiveness of women. The reproduction value theory introduces a mechanism that men unintentionally use when "searching" for a partner. The level of the RV is decided by several things, including:
- Genetic information, i.e. what is the quality of the genotype presented by the potential partner? (This is without doubt the most important factor in this theory)
- Social status, i.e. what is the salary or social stability of the potential partner?
- Numerous other things, i.e. what are the acquired results or achievements of the potential partner?
It is clear now that the higher the RV gets, the more attractive a woman is. One might wonder if women have a similar mechanism when selecting a man. Though a lot of research is currently in progress on this subject, the term resource acquisition ability is known as the sexual opposite of the RV.
See also
References
Stewart, Stinnett and Rosenfeld. "Sex Differences in Desired Characteristics of Short-Term and Long-Term Relationship Partners", J. Soc. and Personal Rel. 2000; 17:843-853.