Researchers from the University of Queensland explored how relationship status shapes sexual markets, revealing that heterosexual men in committed partnerships show a greater openness to diverse partners through sex work, whereas single men tend to pursue a more relationship-oriented dynamic with sex workers. The study was published in Human Nature and adds nuance to how mating strategies play out in real-life choices.
In the project, seven independent sex workers participated while preserving the anonymity of all parties involved. Although the researchers did not disclose demographic details about the workers, the profiles described them as white women between their early twenties and mid-thirties. The study drew on accounts spanning hundreds of client interactions, offering a window into patterns that may reflect broader social and evolutionary forces without oversharing personal data.
Findings indicate that men in long-term relationships show a preference for a wider range of sexual experiences, suggesting a drive for diversity that emerges alongside commitment. By contrast, single men tended to engage more deeply with the same worker, engaging in ongoing communication, exchanging advice, and exchanging gifts—behaviors that mimic the rhythms of a stable relationship. This pattern points to adaptive strategies where different relationship contexts shape sexual procurement and negotiation styles.
These observations align with the hypothesis of binary mating strategies in men, where the drive for variety can coexist with impulses toward steadiness and bonding. The research highlights how male mating behavior may oscillate between exploration and attachment, depending on social surroundings and relationship status.
The study set out to test the double mating or strategic pluralism hypothesis within human behavior. This framework suggests that people use two distinct mating approaches to boost reproductive success. Long-term preferences emphasize qualities like trust, emotional responsiveness, and the capacity to support potential offspring. Meanwhile, short-term strategies emphasize the opportunity to spread genetic lines more broadly. In ongoing partnerships, the research notes, men tend to seek stability and loyalty, while also valuing the potential for raising children and sharing responsibilities over time.