Sex at Dawn - Rambling Readers

English language

Published Jan. 22, 2011

ISBN:: 978-0-06-170781-0

(3 reviews)

Sex at Dawn: The Prehistoric Origins of Modern Sexuality is a 2010 book about the evolution of human mating systems by Christopher Ryan and Cacilda Jethá. In opposition to what the authors see as the "standard narrative" of human sexual evolution, they contend that having multiple sexual partners was common and accepted in the environment of evolutionary adaptedness. The authors contend that mobile, self-contained groups of hunter-gatherers were the norm for humans before agriculture led to high population density. Before agriculture, according to the authors, sex was relatively promiscuous and paternity was not a concern. This dynamic is similar to the mating system of bonobos. According to the book, sexual interactions strengthened the bond of trust in the groups. Far from causing jealousy, social equilibrium and reciprocal obligation were strengthened by playful sexual interactions. The book generated a great deal of publicity in the popular press where it was met …

Sex at Dawn: The Prehistoric Origins of Modern Sexuality is a 2010 book about the evolution of human mating systems by Christopher Ryan and Cacilda Jethá. In opposition to what the authors see as the "standard narrative" of human sexual evolution, they contend that having multiple sexual partners was common and accepted in the environment of evolutionary adaptedness. The authors contend that mobile, self-contained groups of hunter-gatherers were the norm for humans before agriculture led to high population density. Before agriculture, according to the authors, sex was relatively promiscuous and paternity was not a concern. This dynamic is similar to the mating system of bonobos. According to the book, sexual interactions strengthened the bond of trust in the groups. Far from causing jealousy, social equilibrium and reciprocal obligation were strengthened by playful sexual interactions. The book generated a great deal of publicity in the popular press where it was met with generally positive reviews. Conversely, numerous scholars from related academic disciplines—such as anthropology, evolutionary psychology, primatology, biology, and sexology—have been highly critical of the book's methodology and conclusions, although some have commended its arguments.

2 editions

J. J. Zepfanman @...readers reviewed Sex at dawn by Christopher Ryan

Review of 'Sex at dawn' on 'Goodreads'

5 stars

A fact-packed synthesis of an impossibly broad subject, but Ryan and Jethá manage to make some sense of it all. A well-researched book like this that challenges the "standard narrative" of human (and closely related primate) sexuality has been sorely needed. There are some great diagrams, too (e.g. the comparison of monogamous/promiscuous species and their genital and breast sizes).

As the LOC note by the publisher reads, "A controversial, idea-driven book that challenges everything you know about sex, marriage, family, and society." Despite this alleged controversy, the authors are careful not to prescribe too much. While there are a few too many sarcastic remarks, the humor is usually appropriate to the point that the authors are trying to make.

George Sudarkoff

rated it

April 14, 2012

Damien Ryan

rated it

Sept. 5, 2011