Dispelling stereotypes, nerds in high school had a lower income and less reproductive success

The Life History of the Nerd and Jock: Reproductive Implications of High School Labels. Edward Sturman, Holly Wright, Jennifer Bremser, and Tabitha Fish. Eleventh Annual Conference on the Evolutionary Behavioral Sciences, NEEPS 2017. Binghamton University, June 15-18, 2017. https://t.co/gckPMHScQg

Abstract: The present research sought to explore whether labels such as “nerd” and “jock” represent different life history strategies. We hypothesized that self-identified nerds would seek to maximize future reproductive success while the jock strategy would be aimed at maximizing current reproductive success. We also empirically tested Belsky’s (1997) theory of attachment style and life history. A mixed student/community sample was used (n=312, average age = 31) and completed multiple questionnaires on Survey Monkey. Dispelling stereotypes, nerds in high school had a lower income and did not demonstrate a future orientation in regards to reproductive success, although they did have less offspring. Being a jock in high-school was related to a more secure attachment style, higher income, and higher perceived dominance.