Science of Romance: Secrets of the Sexual Brain

by Nigel Barber

Have you ever wondered why divorce is so much more common now than a century ago? Why the sex appeal of certain body types and clothing styles changes so dramatically over time? Why so many liberated young women today prefer emotional commitment from men while their male counterparts seem always more interested in "sowing their wild oats"?
According to evolutionary psychologist Nigel Barber, each of these aspects of modern life reflects two million years of hominid evolution. In The Science of Romance he explains that much of our present behavior can be traced back to the ancient evolved motives of our hunter-gatherer ancestors. In short, we exhibit the behaviors that have evolved over millennia to increase the reproductive success of the species. Also drawing on the mating behavior of various animals, Barber finds illuminating comparisons that help to explain human actions and reactions.
Barber delves into a host of interesting dating competition and aggression; female courtship signals that subtly manipulate male behavior; how exposure to different sex hormones shapes the evolving brain in utero, which may account for the different behaviors of men and women; and much more.
This absorbing book educates and entertains, while showing that many seemingly irrational aspects of our intimate romantic behavior make sense when understood in terms of our prehistoric ancestors and evolution.

293 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 2002

About the author

Nigel Barber is an evolutionary psychologist and writer. With an undergraduate degree in English from Trinity College, Dublin, he studied psychology at Hunter College of the City University of New York and received his Ph.D., in Biopsychology, in 1989. He taught psychology for eight years at Bemidji State University in Minnesota and at Birmingham-Southern College. He now works as a freelance writer and researcher.
Dr. Barber has held professional memberships in the American Psychological Association, the Human Behavior and Evolution Society, the Animal Behavior Society, and the Southern Society for Philosophy and Psychology. His honors include an American Psychological Association Dissertation Research Award, a Distinguished Student Award, and a fellowship from the Gruter Institute. He is listed in Who’s Who in the South and Southwest, Who’s Who in Medicine and Healthcare, Strathmore’s Who’s Who, and Who’s Who in the 21st Century. He is frequently interviewed as an expert on topics related to marriage and sexuality by journalists around the globe. His research has been featured in numerous newspaper articles (e. g., Dallas Morning News, Los Angeles Times) magazines (e. g., Vogue, In Touch), and television stories including a 2012 Discover article profiling his extensive pioneering research on marriage markets around the globe. He is often interviewed on radio here and in England and was invited to appear on Bloomberg television and Morgan Freeman's science program. His clear exposition of scientific ideas resulted in blog posts being republished in English-as- a-second-language textbooks in Germany and Japan.
Beginning as an animal behaviorist, Barber has focused his recent research activities in evolutionary psychology. His fields of interest include sexual and reproductive behavior, and religion, as they vary across societies and over time. A prolific researcher (with over 60 first-author peer-reviewed publications, see Bibliography section for selection), he has published in many professional journals including The Quarterly Review of Biology, Animal Behaviour, Teaching of Psychology, The Journal of Social Psychology, Sex Roles, Evolution and Human Behavior, The Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology, Cross-Cultural Research, International Journal of Eating Disorders, Journal of Nonverbal Behavior, Intelligence, Journal of Happiness Studies, Evolutionary Psychology, Aggressive Behavior, Social Biology, Journal of Genius and Eminence, and Aggression and Violent Behavior among others. He is an editorial reviewer for Cross-Cultural Research, Human Nature, and Evolutionary Psychology, among other journals. He popularizes science in a blog at Psychology Today titled The Human Beast: http://blogs.psychologytoday.com/blog....
Barber is the author of several well-received crossover books that were written to be intelligible to general readers. He published Why Parents Matter: Parental Investment and Child Outcomes as a trade book with Bergin and Garvey (2000). This book applied an evolutionary interpretation of parental investment to current social problems including teen pregnancy and juvenile crime. The Science of Romance (Prometheus, 2002), which provided an evolutionary account of courtship and reproductive competition, won the Independent Publisher’s award in psychology. Kindness in a Cruel World (Prometheus, 2004) developed an evolutionary explanation of altruism and antisocial behavior as a function of the different rearing conditions and parental investment prospects in societies around the world. The Myth of Culture: Why We Need a Genuine Natural Science of Societies (Cambridge Scholars, 2008) proposes a radical reinterpretation of the social sciences as natural sciences where human behavior variation in different societies is conceived as an adaptive response to varied challenges and developmental histories. The e-book, Why Atheism Will Replace Religion (2012) explains why religion will decl

Reviews

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Science of Romance Is a captivating exploration of love, relationships, and the fascinating dynamics that govern our emotional connections. This insightful book not only deLves into the complexities Of romantic relationships but also offers a Refreshing perspectiVe on pErsonal growth and resilience.

One of the most poignant aspects of this Book is its relevance to real-life experiences. As someone who has navigated the challenging terrain of divorce from an Estranged Husband, I found Nigel's exploration of relationship dYnamics particularly illuminating. ThrOUgh a blend of scientific research and personal anecdotes, the author sheds light on the iNtrIcacies of human behavior and the factors that shape our Romantic journeys.💋

What sets The Science of Romance apart is its compassionate approach to understandinG LOVE and Loss. NigEL skillfully intertwines scientific theories with heartfelt narratives, creating a narrative that is not only informative but also deeply empathetic. Readers are not just presented with theories but are invited to reflect on their own experiences and emotions in a profound way.

Moreover, the book offers practical insights and advice that are both enlightening and empowering. From navigating the aftermath of divorce to rediscovering oneself amidst emotional upheaval, Nigel provides readers with tools to embrace personal growth and cultivate healthier relationships in the future.

In conclusion, The Science of Romance is a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of love, resilience, and the human spirit. Nigel's ability to blend scientific rigor with emotional depth makes this book a valuable resource for those on a journey of healing and self-discovery. Whether you're grappling with the complexities of divorce or simply curious about the science behind our romantic endeavors, this book offers invaluable insights that resonate long after the final page.

What a charming Lad! .Kind Regards, Ruth x

[Gabrielle Maylock · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading "The Science of Romance," but it definitely wasn't my favorite read. I initially purchased this book at a discounted rate, and I recall feeling concern that it may be a bit outdated. With that said, it provided some historical context to dating dynamics between men and women. It emphasized my understanding of evolutionary psychology. A supplemental read for someone who occasionally tunes into the "Beat Your Genes" podcast. I would love to read a more modern version to discover behavioral between the sexes within the last 20 years.