Human courtship behaviour: biological basis and cognitive processing

摘要: In 1975 Kendon described the literature on human courtship as almost nonexistent. Almost ten years later, Hinde (1984) found our knowledge still fragmentary, and, moreover, in need of an integrative framework. Indeed, most what we know about originates from just a handful direct observations. What remains consists interviews carried out at different stages courtship. There are least two reasons for this situation. First, it seems to be difficult obtain sufficient and convincing data, despite information gathered by questionnaires. Second, cross-cultural comparisons seem show that behavioural variability is high. Moreover, have undergone historical change (Cook, 1981), even though, result biological restraints, behaviour appears bastion strict performance stereotyped gender role behaviour. chapter I consider existing data develop empirically testable hypotheses light sociobiological cognitive theory. way hope focus study important aspect life.