Female Aggressiveness and Courtship

I've just finished reading Fisher's book. I was fascinated to read her research regarding female aggressiveness in courtship rituals. She's right. It's amazing that western society still clings to the fantasy that men are the aggressors. It's obviously most beneficial (and innate) that the female of the species protect, and actively pursue the right to breed. "Those who breed survive" (Darwin and Fisher). I have long thought this to be true, (that females are more aggressive than men in sexual persistence), as I come from a long line of strong women who repeatedly chose academia over the dating game. Consequently, we never had dates, as we only knew how to court men on an intellectual level. And this NEVER worked. In understanding this concept, the clinical applications are astounding. We can teach dysfunctional females how to get their man!! (And we can teach men how to run like hell!)

I watch my 13 year old son with awe, as he continually brings home a long trail of female admirers (and their female support system to urge them on...). As he dances the mating dance, outside on our deck, the primary admirer tries, in vain, to lure him with stories (can you take a hint?) of the sexual escapades of the other boys and girls in their peer group. My son, who appears to be ignoring what she is saying, (as he runs, jumps, struts, and dances in front of her) is obviously caught up in the game, but never lets on that he hears or understands her cues. (Although I have no doubt that he does.) It's interesting to point out that my son's mating dance is further dramatized, and embellished, by his hyperactivity. (Very creative, colorful, and energetic, to say the least.) When the young girl becomes sufficiently frustrated with him, she, and her entourage, leave without him. (Fisher points out that, at some point, the male must respond, or the game is over.)

I marvel at the innate, genetic capabilities of even the very young females of our species, in staking their future claim to procreation. Sounds like a great place to start for a Doctoral dissertation! Appreciate direction...

• Male Models and Female Behavior by John Fentress, 5/23/98
  • Thank you! by Mary Elizabeth Coggins, 5/23/98
• A few animal behavior text references by John Fentress, 5/24/98