Potential mates analysis and the study of human population structure

Abstract

Analysis of the size and characteristics of potential mate pools is a powerful technique for assessing the importance of social, demographic, geographic, and other influences on patterns of mating and migration. It is also useful for testing the effects of certain assumptions underlying methods commonly used in studies of population structure. Potential mates analysis has been applied to several different populations. It has clarified some aspects of population structure that have been studied by other means in the past and has uncovered some phenomena not previously recognized. The advantages and limitations of this technique are discussed, and its uses to date are reviewed in light of some current criticisms of human population structure studies.The purpose of this paper is to describe and review the uses of a fairly new technique, potential mates analysis (PMA), in light of what seems to be a growing dissatisfaction with the state of the study of human population structure. To this end, (1) the method, which, though conceptually simple, is perhaps more complex in implementation than might appear, is outlined, (2) applications of the method that have been carried out thus far are summarized and discussed, and (3) present limitations and several desirable goals are indicated.

Genealogical-Demographic Analysis of the Long-term Adaptation of a Human Population: Methodological Implications.

“…Population geneticists have considered the marriage formation system as an important factor conditioning gene frequencies of a contemporary population (e.g., Dyke,1971;Leslie, 1985;Serjeantson et al, 1989). Also important in understanding gene frequencies are inter-individual differences in the number of childbearingsmore precisely, the number of offspring (both males and females) who survived to marry per mother or father.…”

Population structure of the Jirels: Patterns of mate choice

“…Mating rules, as actually practiced, can be inferred using potential mates analysis (Dyke, 1971;Leslie, 1985). Potential mates analysis examines marriage patterns by comparing the characteristics of actual mates to those of possible mates, and several populations have been studied using this approach (Brennan and Dyke, 1980;Brennan et al, 1982;Dyke, 1971;Fix, 1981).…”

“…In certain situations, the preferred type of mate is simply unavailable (Dyke, 1971; Kunstadter et al, 1963;Leslie et al, 1978). Additionally, the number of available mates from which to choose is partially determined by more subtle internal subdivisions of the population, such as the social and kin structures (Dyke, 1971;Fredlund and Dyke, 1976;Leslie, 1985).…”

“…Unlike traditional techniques, the potential mates approach to the analysis of assortative mating is not dependent on the assumption that actual mate pairs are a random sample of potential mate pairs (Leslie, 1985).…”

“…Both the characteristics of observed mating pairs and potential mate pools can be examined using potential mates analysis (Leslie, 1985). Many factors must be considered to delineate the pool of individuals from which mates ultimately will be drawn.…”