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[–]grixitperson 7 insightful - 1 fun7 insightful - 0 fun8 insightful - 1 fun -  (2 children)

There is the "good uncle" theory, which says that a social species like ours benefits from having a small but steady incidence of non reproducing members who can provide extra supported for related family members. Since humans have such a high sex drive, this is easier to achieve by diverting the attraction than by muting it. It's an intriguing theory, but maybe just a little too neat.

[–]MarkTwainiac 8 insightful - 1 fun8 insightful - 0 fun9 insightful - 1 fun -  (0 children)

I was raised with the "spinster aunt" theory too. The two theories are similar but slightly different, reflecting conventional sex roles. The "good uncle" theory says extra males who don't marry & reproduce are needed to provide for families in economic ways and as protectors, particularly in households where the father himself is dead or disabled. The "spinster aunt" theory says extra female relatives who don't marry & reproduce are needed to provide families with female carers, child minders, housekeepers & educators who are unencumbered by marriage partners or prospects and have no children of their own to tend to.

[–][deleted] 3 insightful - 1 fun3 insightful - 0 fun4 insightful - 1 fun -  (0 children)

I hadn't heard of this theory until you and Omina mentioned it, and I quite like it. It's very interesting to think about, at least, and perhaps there really is something to it.