An evolutionary perspective on human female sexual desire

Abstract

Much of the literature on desire for sexual activity among women has focused on the individual, relationship and cultural factors that impact on levels of desire. The role of evolutionary factors on female desire for sexual activity has received more limited consideration. Within this perspective, we will discuss the extent to which human female desire for sexual behaviour is varied to provide a selective advantage for the individual and her offspring. In particular, we will discuss the possible association between females' regard for the reproductive and support resources of their partners and their desire for sexual intercourse with their partner. Within this framework, female desire for sexual activity (or lack of this desire) with a particular male would be shaped by a consideration of factors which enhance the survival of the female and her offspring rather than social factors. A female generally makes a substantial investment in her offspring in comparison to the male. It would therefore be predicted that females may value different qualities in their sexual partners from males. Although sexual behaviour is different from sexual desire, a starting point in the understanding of human female sexual desire is an examination of sexual behaviour among the primates.