Dual mating vs. mate switching?

David Buss, a guest on the Huberman Lab, differentiates between the dual mating strategy hypothesis and the mate switching hypothesis.

Dual Mating Strategy Hypothesis

The dual mating strategy hypothesis suggests that women pursue relationships with multiple partners to secure good genes from one partner while obtaining resources and investment from another. This strategy implies a focus on both genetic benefits and material support from different partners 1 .

Mate Switching Hypothesis

David Buss now endorses the mate switching hypothesis, which posits that women engage in affairs to switch mates rather than to secure dual resources and genetics. Evidence supporting this includes the emotional involvement women often develop with their affair partners. About 70% of women who have affairs fall in love with their affair partners, indicating a desire to switch mates rather than just seeking genetic benefits from multiple partners 2 . Buss cites low rates of genetic cuckoldry and the lack of strong ovulation shifts in mate preferences to further support the mate switching hypothesis over the dual mating strategy 3 .

In summary, the mate switching hypothesis focuses on women seeking new, more compatible or higher value partners, rather than attempting to secure dual benefits from different partners.