A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal

A matter of time: Batemans principles and mating success as count and duration in contemporary Finland




AuthorsAndersson Linus, Saarela, Jan, Jalovaara Marika, Uggla Caroline

PublisherThe Royal Society Publishing

Publishing placeLontoo

Publication year2023

JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences

Volume290

Issue12.7.2023

eISSN1471-2954

DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2023.1061

Web address https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2023.1061

Self-archived copy’s web addresshttps://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/179947872


Abstract

Bateman's principles heavily influence the understanding of human reproductive behaviour. Yet, few rigorous studies on Bateman's principles in contemporary industrialized populations exist. Most studies use small samples, exclude non-marital unions, and disregard recent insights on within-population heterogeneity in mating strategies. We assess mating success and reproductive success using population-wide Finnish register data on marital and non-marital cohabitations and fertility. We examine variability across social strata in the Bateman principles and analyse the mate count, the cumulated duration with a mate, and the association with reproductive success. Results support Bateman's first and second principles. Regarding Bateman's third principle, the number of mates is more positively associated with reproductive success for men than women, but this association is driven by ever having a mate. Having more than one mate is on average associated with lower reproductive success. However, for men in the lowest income quartile, having more than one mate positively predicts reproductive success. Longer union duration is associated with higher reproductive success, and more so for men. We note that sex differences in the relationship between mating success and reproductive success differ by social strata, and argue that mate duration may be an important component of mating success alongside mate count.


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