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When Feminism Meets Evolutionary Psychology: The Enduring Legacy of Margo Wilson

NCJ Number
240883
Journal
Homicide Studies Volume: 16 Issue: 4 Dated: November 2012 Pages: 332-345
Author(s)
Holly Johnson
Date Published
November 2012
Length
14 pages
Annotation
This article reflects on the enduring influence of Margo Wilson's pioneering work with Martin Daly on the evolutionary origins of male partner violence with specific attention to large-scale population surveys.
Abstract
Social science research demonstrates that the many manifestations of sexual proprietariness are among the most important predictors of male partner violence cross-culturally. However, evolutionary explanations for this manifestly male behavior continue to trouble many feminists. This article reflects on the enduring influence of Margo Wilson's pioneering work with Martin Daly on the evolutionary origins of male partner violence with specific attention to large-scale population surveys. One of Margo Wilson's many lasting contributions is an empirically based theoretical explanation for male sexual ownership over women that, it is argued, is not in opposition to feminist structural analysis or feminist political aims. Abstract published by arrangement with Sage Journals.