Sociosexual orientation

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Sociosexual orientation in social psychology refers to individual differences in the tendency to prefer either unrestricted sex (without the necessity of love) or restricted sex (only in the context of a long term loving relationship).^{[citation needed]}

Note that an 'unrestricted' sexual strategy is not equated to promiscuity: "unrestricted people, although more willing to engage in sex without love and commitment, still prefer being involved in stable, serially monogamous relationships (unlike promiscuous people)" (Simpson, Wilson & Winterheld, 2004)

[edit] Sex Differences

While generally, males show a more unrestricted strategy relative to females, substantial overlap exists between the sexes. For example, approximately 30% of men are less willing to engage in casual sex than the median score of female populations^{[citation needed]}.

That the difference within sexes is greater than that between the sexes has led to substantial debate, and extensive theorising regarding the causes of such differences.

[edit] See also

• human sexuality
• sexual orientation
• monogamy

[edit] Further reading

• Schmitt, D.P. (2005). Sociosexuality from Argentina to Zimbabwe: A 48-nation study of sex, culture, and strategies of human mating. Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 28, 247-311. Full text