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The Second to Fourth Digit Ratio and Age at First Marriage in Semi-Nomadic People from Namibia

Abstract  

The second to fourth digit ratio (2D:4D) is used as a potential marker for prenatal androgen exposure. It is associated with
many behavioral and biological variables, including fertility and sexual behavior. However, direct association between 2D:4D
and reproductive success—in populations where no contraceptives are used—has not been investigated. Here, we present a study
conducted among the semi-nomad Himba population living in northern Namibia. 2D:4D ratios were calculated for a sample of this
population (N = 99; 60 women, 39 men), and the results were correlated with age, marital status, age at first marriage, number of children,
and number of marriages. As found in the majority of previous studies, males had lower 2D:4D ratios than females. The 2D:4D
ratio did not correlate with number of children. Females and males with a more masculine 2D:4D were married earlier and were
more likely to have a husband or wife. We suggest that mating preferences for females with masculine 2D:4D are related to
masculinity of phenotypic and personality traits of such women, which are beneficial in harsh environmental conditions and/or
higher facial masculinity, which influences the perceived age of an individual. At the same time, masculine (physically strong,
dominant, and hardworking) males might gather resources necessary to marry their first wife earlier.

  • Content Type Journal Article
  • Category Original Paper
  • Pages 1-8
  • DOI 10.1007/s10508-011-9866-6
  • Authors
    • Piotr Sorokowski, Institute of Psychology, University of Wroclaw, ul. Dawida 1, 50-527 Wroclaw, Poland
    • Agnieszka Sorokowska, Institute of Psychology, University of Wroclaw, ul. Dawida 1, 50-527 Wroclaw, Poland
    • Dariusz Danel, Institute of Anthropology, Polish Academy of Science, Wroclaw, Poland
    • Mara L. Mberira, Faculty of Humanities and Social Science, University of Namibia, Windhoek, Namibia
    • Leszek Pokrywka, Ragna Jentofts 3b, 7900 Rørvik, Norway
    • Journal Archives of Sexual Behavior
    • Online ISSN 1573-2800
    • Print ISSN 0004-0002
Posted in: Journal Article Abstracts on 11/03/2011 | Link to this post on IFP |
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