Mate Selection

Abstract

Abstract Human mate selection refers to the process by which an individual chooses a sexual partner. Historically, scholars have used this term to refer to the study of factors (e.g., traits) that make a mate desirable as a long‐term romantic partner, but mate selection can also refer to the decision processes involved in brief sexual relationships. In humans, the traits and behaviors that affect mate selection vary throughout the world; although much of our understanding of mate selection comes from research in Western cultures, comparisons across cultures and the search for universal patterns have become more prevalent. This entry reviews research on cultural variability in how men and women approach mate selection with a particular focus on two popular theoretical frameworks: sexual strategies theory and social role theory.