Oedipus in Evolution: A New Theory of Sex

by Christopher R. Badcock

In this controversial work, Christopher Badcock puts forward a new theory of evolution based on the primacy of female choice. Dr Badcock clears away myths of what is "natural" - monogamy and heterosexualty - and then shows the evolutionary foundations for oedipal behaviour, homosexuality and penis-envy. By unitinng Darwin's insights into the importance of female choice with Freud's into male sexual conflict, the author proposes an original theory of evolution with a new and revealing explanatory power. Common features of human behaviour, such as synchronization of menstrual cycles among cohabiting women, and sibling rivalry, are shown to be normal features of human physiology and psyche. Dr Badcock concludes by presenting evidence for the adaptive nature of depression, transference and mourning behaviour. This book can be read as a sequel to Christopher Badcock's "The problem of Altruism", and is also a self-contained argument in its own right. It takes the reader "beyond the pleasure principle", which Freud notoriously failed to do, and answers some of the most central questions about human sexuality and social behaviour.

221 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 1990

Reviews

[Stéphanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was highly persuasive in style, very interesting indeed.