The Property of Selection: How Private Property Reshaped Women's Sexual Choices

[Seth Walsh]

Introduction​

The emergence of private property fundamentally altered human mating behaviors, particularly influencing women's sexual selection. Before the rise of agricultural societies, human groups functioned in egalitarian, communal structures. There was little emphasis on paternity or individual ownership, and sexual interactions were often non-exclusive, less discriminating, and driven by social cohesion and mutual support. However, the transition to agriculture and the concept of private property fundamentally changed this dynamic, leading to new criteria for sexual selection among women.

Pre-Civilized Societies: Communal Living and Freer Sexual Choices​

In pre-civilized, hunter-gatherer societies, survival was dependent on communal cooperation rather than individual wealth. Resources were shared, and the responsibility of raising children fell to the entire group. Because of this collective environment, women had less incentive to be selective about sexual partners based on status or material security.

• Communal Child Rearing: Without the concept of inherited wealth or exclusive paternity, sexual relationships were freer, and the community collectively ensured the well-being of all offspring.
• Low Stakes in Mate Selection: The emphasis was on communal bonds rather than exclusive pairings, which meant that the stakes of choosing a particular mate were relatively low.

The Shift: Agriculture and Private Property​

The advent of agriculture brought the concept of private property, and with it, a significant shift in human mating dynamics.

• Accumulation of Resources: Property allowed individuals to accumulate resources, creating disparities in wealth and status. Men who controlled land and livestock became more powerful and capable of offering stability, security, and resources to a potential mate.
• Material Considerations in Mate Selection: Women began to factor in these material considerations when selecting a partner. The guarantee of resource access for themselves and their offspring became a key driver in mate selection. This marked a significant departure from the earlier egalitarian mating patterns.

Monogamy and Paternity Certainty​

Monogamy, which was largely cemented by the rise of private property, further reinforced this shift.

• Ensuring Paternity: Men sought to ensure that their resources were passed down to their biological offspring, leading to an emphasis on paternity certainty.
• Benefits for Women: Women gained benefits from aligning with a single partner who could provide sustained access to resources. This created a system where women were incentivized to be more discerning about their sexual partners, as the stakes now included long-term security and the well-being of their children.

Post-Modern Societies: Legacy of Private Property​

In post-modern societies, the legacy of private property and monogamy continues to influence women's sexual selection, even with modern inventions like contraception.

• Contraception and Selectivity: Although contraception has decoupled sex from reproduction, the underlying social and economic structures remain largely unchanged. Wealth, status, and resources continue to be unevenly distributed, influencing women's mate selection.
• Competitive Nature of Modern Society: Women often select partners based on their ability to provide security, stability, and social capital. The competitive nature of modern societies, where individual success is highly prized, has amplified the need for strategic mate selection.

Societal Norms and Expectations​

Societal norms and expectations still exert pressure on women to be selective.

• Value of Exclusivity: The value placed on exclusivity, reputation, and long-term partnership persists, making women more cautious about their sexual choices.
• Desire for Stability: The fear of judgment, the desire for meaningful connections, and the emphasis on finding a partner who can contribute to a stable future all contribute to heightened selectivity.
• Contraception's Role: While contraception has provided greater freedom, it has not entirely removed the social, economic, and cultural factors that shape women's sexual behavior. Instead, it has allowed women to exercise greater control within a framework that still values resource access and long-term stability.

Conclusion​

The emergence of private property radically transformed women's sexual selection, shifting from a communal, less discriminating approach to a more selective, strategic process driven by resource acquisition and long-term security. The structures of property, wealth, and social expectation continue to influence women's choices, even in the age of contraception. The interplay between private property and sexual selection has left a lasting impact on human mating behavior, shaping the dynamics of intimacy and partnership in profound ways.