February 10, 2024

What Women Want – What Men Want: Why the Sexes Still See Love and Commitment So Differently

Product Information

John Townsend’s insightful book delves into the complex realm of human sexual psychology, dissecting the commonly held notion that the differences between men’s and women’s sexual behaviors are merely a product of cultural shaping. Through meticulous research involving thousands of questionnaires and in-depth personal interviews, Townsend compels the reader to reassess the foundations of sexual psychologies as they relate to both genders. The book explores the multifaceted aspects of what individuals find appealing in potential mates, from the angles of physical attractiveness to economic prosperity, and it examines how these factors dovetail with the modern institution of marriage and beyond.

Deftly navigating through the nuances of desire and selectivity, Townsend’s work casts light on the divergent sexualities of men and women, identifying unique patterns of arousal and the diverse objectives they pursue in their intimate lives. The juxtaposition of men’s and women’s attitudes toward sexual attraction brings forth striking differences, allowing readers to understand how the sexes perceive one another in the complex web of romantic engagement.

Entangled with the raw mechanics of desire is the poignant question of emotion—specifically the intrinsic alarms that bind the act of sex to the sentiments of love. Townsend’s book guides the audience through the psychological corridors where the heart meets the flesh, posing essential inquiries about what drives women in the quest for sexual allure and what dictates men in their criteria for partner selection.

Marrying the theoretical with the practical, the book also scrutinizes the strategies men and women employ in selecting marriage partners, highlighting the interplay between male status, female competition, and the societal constructs that shape these phenomena. Townsend does not shy away from contentious issues such as the “dating-mating market,” delving into the so-called “man shortage” and “marriage squeeze” that dictate the dynamics of courtship and commitment.

Love, power, and the pursuit of long-term investment are dissected in detail as Townsend provides a robust analysis of romance and male dominance, exposing the intricate and often controversial facets of gendered expectations and relationship roles. As the narrative unfolds, readers are invited to consider the disparate wants and needs men and women harbor regarding marriage, as well as the often-contentious tug-of-war concerning the household division of labor.

Bound by neither time nor geography, Townsend expands the examination to a global scale, offering a comparative view of sexual behaviors across cultures with intriguing case studies from China and Samoa. The book’s breadth is matched only by its depth as it grapples with the critical challenges presented by sex differences and the relentless march of cultural evolution, offering readers an indispensable framework to decode the complex interchange between nature and nurture.

John Marshall Townsend illuminates these subjects with a perceptive and unbiased lens, presenting new findings and perspectives that challenge readers to confront their own preconceptions about men and women in the sexual and romantic arenas. The author’s expertise and thoughtful analysis render this book an invaluable resource not only for those seeking to understand the elements of sexual psychological differences but also for individuals yearning to decipher the underlying motives behind our quest for companionship and love.

This book empowers readers with the knowledge to navigate the oft-confusing landscape of relationships and intimacy. Enhancing one’s relationship skills through the lens of this comprehensive study means adopting the tools for better communication, deeper understanding, and more fulfilling partnerships.

Skill Set: Relationship Skills
Experience Level: Beginner
Learning Format: Book
Expert/Coach/Author: John Marshall Townsend
Release Date: April 22, 1999


Table Of Contents/ List Of Topics Covered:

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– Introduction
– Women’s and Men’s Sexualities: Differences in Arousal, Goals, and Selectivity
– Emotional Alarms: The Link Between Sex and Love
– What Do Women Want? Women’s Perceptions of Sexual Attractiveness
– Choosing Partners for Marriage: Male Status and Female Competition
– What Do Men Want? Men’s Criteria for Coosing Partners
– The Dating-Mating Market: The Man Shortage and Marriage Squeeze
– Romance, Male Dominance and the Quest for Investment
– What Men and Women Want in Marriage
– Who Does the Diapers and the Dishes? The Domestic Division of Labor
– Are Men and Women Alike Around the Globe? Sex in China and Saoa
– Coping with Sex Differences and Cultural Change