Studies in the Psychology of Sex, Volume 4 / Sexual Selection In Man

Name: Studies in the Psychology of Sex, Volume 4 / Sexual Selection In Man
Author: Havelock Ellis

By Havelock Ellis

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Gender & Sexuality Studies Psychiatry/Psychology

About This Book

The author examines how human mate choice is shaped by sensory stimuli, arguing that touch, smell, hearing, and especially vision mediate sexual selection. He surveys tactile phenomena including ticklishness, skin sensitivity, kissing, and erotic associations of nipples and suckling, as well as olfactory influences and perfumes, the role of rhythm and the voice, and visual standards of beauty and secondary sexual characteristics. Cultural practices such as bathing, clothing, and ornamentation are analyzed for their sexual and religious associations. Throughout, psychological mechanisms linking sensory perception to sexual attraction are emphasized and gaps highlighted where empirical measurement remains limited.

About the Author

Havelock Ellis

Havelock Ellis (1859-1939) was a British physician, psychologist, and social reformer, best known for his pioneering work in the field of human sexuality. His extensive writings, particularly the multi-volume "Studies in the Psychology of Sex," explored various aspects of sexual behavior, identity, and societal norms, contributing significantly to the understanding of sexuality in the early 20th century. Ellis was also an advocate for social hygiene and sexual education, emphasizing the importance of understanding sexual health in relation to society. His essays, such as "Essays in War-Time: Further Studies in the Task of Social Hygiene," reflect his progressive views on love, virtue, and the complexities of human relationships.