Peter Gray: University of Nevada-Las Vegas Department of Anthropology

How does fatherhood impact men’s sexuality? In this presentation, we review some of the core facets of paternal sexuality. Cross-cultural patterns of fertility beliefs suggest that a physiological basis of paternity is usually recognized, but without a link to mid-cycle ovulation. Male anatomy and semen components are optimized for successful reproduction in the face of relatively low sperm competition. Following conception, cross-cultural variation in sexual practices during gestation exists. In some societies, men are expected to engage in frequent intercourse to help foster a fetus’ growth, whereas in others intercourse quickly plummets following recognition of a pregnancy. Possible explanations for this variation are suggested. Postpartum declines in sexuality are robust in meta-analysis of western societies and cross-culturally, but also responsive to a number of variables. The resumption of sexual activity within a couple can be best understood with reference to reductions in female libido, breastfeeding, the availability of alternative sexual partners (e.g., in polygynous marriages), marital quality and partners’ ages. The human propensity to have sex in private also poses challenges to the resumption of sexual activity, especially in light of social sleeping arrangements. Implications and directions for future research are suggested, including the call for researchers and analysts to consider reproductive state (e.g., postpartum) more formally in sexuality data, and for more inclusive samples (e.g., gay fathers and stepfathers) addressing paternal sexuality.
http://www.hup.harvard.edu/catalog/ANDMAN.html