The Varsity

The peacock’s tail is a symbol of pride and desirability. Similarly, public generosity is a desirable mate quality among men. Published in the British Psychological Society’s British Journal of Psychology, two experiments revealed that men did significantly more good deeds when observed by members of the opposite sex. Men were found to actively compete and make increased donations when observed by an attractive female, suggesting that good deeds among men increase when presented with the opportunity to copulate. It has been concluded that women tend to look for kindness, helpfulness, and the ability and willingness to care for others in a prospective mate. Thus, men prove themselves when they indulge in costly altruistic acts in the presence of women.