Abstract
Mate selection researchers have long assumed that surveyed listings of ''ideal traits'' indicate strong preferences by women for virtuous males. This assumption is contradicted, however, by increasing evidence of sexual abuse in dating relationships and suggests the possibility that the hero-centric Western culture of romance greatly complicates the mating process. A review of literary heroism revealed extraordinary individualism. Notably, George Gordon Byron's protagonists ('Byronic Heroes') are men of stupendous assertiveness and uncertain morality; derivatives abound in contemporary American popular culture. A comparison was made of three typologies; the third, domestic batterers being ''stand-ins'' for abusive dates. Byronic traits were found to much more closely resemble those of batterers than of hypothetical ideal mates. Thus, the development of intense admiration of fictional Byronic Heroes during socialization could lead to an admiration of same traits in encountered males with or even tragic results.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
