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It's a fairly simple natural selection theory to explain the observed prevalence of pederasty in history. It's not really about looking for purpose -- it's more akin to opportunistic parasitism on the boy's part. If a randomly mutated gene had the effect, at puberty, of provoking sexual desire in an adult male, and that sexual desire proved advantageous to the boy's reproductive potential (through gaining resources from the attracted male), then the gene would spread. Exploitation of male mating instincts is widespread in the animal world. As a theory to explain the prevalence of pederasty, in humans and animals, I can't see what stops it being worthy of investigation. (Alright, I haven't actually proven it -- I don't have a microscope.) But it fits. So check it out, boffins. If we happened to be living in a culture similar to ancient Athens, it would have been exhaustively debated and investigated and written up in Plato's Symposium. Sounds like a matter of personal preference. Admittedly, I find it has to be a VERY subtle effect -- the enhanced sensitivity is probably the main kicker, without much visible swelling -- and it does quickly become a bit weird. As it did with Justin Berfield. But who knows what turned on the prehistoric grunts. I would imagine they were pretty filthy. Gynecomastia is there, and the potential that it, and other sexually-attractive traits, were selected can't be ruled out. In fact, I'd say the case in favour is pretty damn compelling. |