Briffault’s Law in the 21st Century: What Modern Men Can Learn from the Social Anthropologist’s Theories

In the early 20th century, British social anthropologist Robert Briffault formulated a controversial theory that continues to spark debate in modern discussions of gender dynamics and relationships. Briffault’s LawBriffault's law states that the female, not the male, is the head of an animal family and determines all of its conditions. The law applies only to nonhuman animals, and not to humans. Robert Briffault outlined his law in his book The Mothers, Vol. I. He applied the law to a variety of animals, including tigers, lions, zebras, gazelles, buffaloes, deer, monkeys, beavers, and birds. Briffault also briefly referenced humans to contrast their behavioral patterns from those of animals. More, often distilled into a concise statement, asserts that:

“The female, not the male, determines all the conditions of the animal family. Where the female can derive no benefit from association with the male, no such association takes place.”

Though Briffault’s LawBriffault's law states that the female, not the male, is the head of an animal family and determines all of its conditions. The law applies only to nonhuman animals, and not to humans. Robert Briffault outlined his law in his book The Mothers, Vol. I. He applied the law to a variety of animals, including tigers, lions, zebras, gazelles, buffaloes, deer, monkeys, beavers, and birds. Briffault also briefly referenced humans to contrast their behavioral patterns from those of animals. More was originally based on his observations of animal behavior, many believe it has significant implications for human relationships, particularly in the context of dating, marriage, and family formation. This essay explores Briffault’s Law in the context of modern society, examining how the changing roles of women—specifically their increased promiscuity, declining focus on motherhood, and rising hypergamy—interact with his theories. We will also consider what modern men can learn from Briffault’s ideas and how these dynamics influence today’s relationship landscape.

Understanding Briffault’s Law

To understand the relevance of Briffault’s LawBriffault's law states that the female, not the male, is the head of an animal family and determines all of its conditions. The law applies only to nonhuman animals, and not to humans. Robert Briffault outlined his law in his book The Mothers, Vol. I. He applied the law to a variety of animals, including tigers, lions, zebras, gazelles, buffaloes, deer, monkeys, beavers, and birds. Briffault also briefly referenced humans to contrast their behavioral patterns from those of animals. More today, we must first unpack its meaning. Briffault’s theory posits that female animals primarily seek relationships with males for pragmatic purposes, such as protection, resources, or genetic fitness. If the male provides no tangible benefit, the female has little incentive to engage in or maintain a relationship.

Applied to human behavior, the theory suggests that women’s decisions about relationships—whether dating, marriage, or reproduction—are influenced by their perceived benefits from men. In this context, “benefit” can refer to emotional support, financial stability, social status, or even sexual gratification. The critical aspect of Briffault’s LawBriffault's law states that the female, not the male, is the head of an animal family and determines all of its conditions. The law applies only to nonhuman animals, and not to humans. Robert Briffault outlined his law in his book The Mothers, Vol. I. He applied the law to a variety of animals, including tigers, lions, zebras, gazelles, buffaloes, deer, monkeys, beavers, and birds. Briffault also briefly referenced humans to contrast their behavioral patterns from those of animals. More is the idea that relationships are transactional to some extent, especially from the female perspective.

In the 21st century, where traditional gender roles are evolving, and women enjoy unprecedented independence, the relevance of Briffault’s LawBriffault's law states that the female, not the male, is the head of an animal family and determines all of its conditions. The law applies only to nonhuman animals, and not to humans. Robert Briffault outlined his law in his book The Mothers, Vol. I. He applied the law to a variety of animals, including tigers, lions, zebras, gazelles, buffaloes, deer, monkeys, beavers, and birds. Briffault also briefly referenced humans to contrast their behavioral patterns from those of animals. More becomes even more pertinent. As women’s access to education, employment, and social freedoms increases, their reliance on men for resources or security diminishes. This shift has far-reaching implications for the structure of relationships and family dynamics.

Modern Women’s Promiscuity and Briffault’s Law

One of the most significant changes in recent decades has been the shift in societal attitudes toward female sexuality. The sexual revolution, which began in the 1960s, challenged traditional norms about female chastity and monogamy. Today, women have greater sexual freedom and are more likely to engage in casual relationships, delaying or forgoing long-term commitments like marriage. This increase in sexual promiscuity can be understood through the lens of Briffault’s Law.

If we consider Briffault’s assertion that females only maintain relationships when they derive a benefit, modern women’s willingness to engage in casual sex without committing to long-term partnerships reflects a shift in what they perceive as beneficial. In the past, marriage and relationships were often necessary for women to secure financial support and social status. Today, however, many women have the economic means to support themselves, and they may prioritize sexual satisfaction or short-term emotional connections over long-term dependency on a partner.

This promiscuity aligns with Briffault’s principle in that women are still seeking a perceived benefit—whether sexual or emotional—in their interactions with men. However, the nature of that benefit has shifted away from the traditional reliance on men for material support or long-term commitment. As a result, many men may feel displaced in the current dating market, where women seem to have less need for them as providers or protectors.

The Exodus from Motherhood

Another critical trend in modern society is the declining emphasis on motherhood. With the rise of career opportunities and increased autonomy, many women are choosing to delay or forgo motherhood entirely. In some ways, this can be seen as a rejection of traditional female roles, but it can also be interpreted through Briffault’s framework.

Historically, reproduction and child-rearing were significant components of the “benefit” that women derived from relationships with men. Men provided resources and security in exchange for a woman’s reproductive investment. However, with access to birth control, family planning, and financial independence, women no longer need to enter into relationships to ensure their survival or the well-being of their offspring.

Moreover, the societal expectation that women must become mothers is increasingly being questioned. Many women now prioritize personal fulfillment, career ambitions, and freedom over the constraints of motherhood. As such, the transactional nature of relationships, as described by Briffault, has evolved: women are no longer seeking men solely for the purpose of forming families. This shift further complicates modern gender dynamics, as men may feel they have less to offer in a world where women are not necessarily seeking them as co-parents or long-term partners.

Hypergamyhy·per·ga·my| hīˈpərɡəmē | nounthe action of marrying or forming a sexual relationship with a person of a superior sociological or educational background. The word hypergamy comes from the Greek prefix hyper- meaning "above" and gamos meaning "marriage". It was first used in the 1880s by English anthropologists to describe the practice of marrying into a higher caste in the Indian subcontinent. The term was coined while translating classical Hindu law books from Sanskrit to English. The opposite of hypergamy is hypogamy, which means marrying into a lower social class or status. The Sanskrit term for hypogamy is pratiloma. The term hypergamy has since broadened to include any situation where someone marries into a more privileged or powerful social class, based on factors such as wealth, education, or physical attractiveness. More and Its Implications

One of the more controversial aspects of modern dating is the concept of hypergamyhy·per·ga·my| hīˈpərɡəmē | nounthe action of marrying or forming a sexual relationship with a person of a superior sociological or educational background. The word hypergamy comes from the Greek prefix hyper- meaning "above" and gamos meaning "marriage". It was first used in the 1880s by English anthropologists to describe the practice of marrying into a higher caste in the Indian subcontinent. The term was coined while translating classical Hindu law books from Sanskrit to English. The opposite of hypergamy is hypogamy, which means marrying into a lower social class or status. The Sanskrit term for hypogamy is pratiloma. The term hypergamy has since broadened to include any situation where someone marries into a more privileged or powerful social class, based on factors such as wealth, education, or physical attractiveness. More, or “marrying up.” Hypergamyhy·per·ga·my| hīˈpərɡəmē | nounthe action of marrying or forming a sexual relationship with a person of a superior sociological or educational background. The word hypergamy comes from the Greek prefix hyper- meaning "above" and gamos meaning "marriage". It was first used in the 1880s by English anthropologists to describe the practice of marrying into a higher caste in the Indian subcontinent. The term was coined while translating classical Hindu law books from Sanskrit to English. The opposite of hypergamy is hypogamy, which means marrying into a lower social class or status. The Sanskrit term for hypogamy is pratiloma. The term hypergamy has since broadened to include any situation where someone marries into a more privileged or powerful social class, based on factors such as wealth, education, or physical attractiveness. More is the idea that women prefer to date and marry men who are of higher social, educational, or financial status than themselves. This phenomenon aligns closely with Briffault’s LawBriffault's law states that the female, not the male, is the head of an animal family and determines all of its conditions. The law applies only to nonhuman animals, and not to humans. Robert Briffault outlined his law in his book The Mothers, Vol. I. He applied the law to a variety of animals, including tigers, lions, zebras, gazelles, buffaloes, deer, monkeys, beavers, and birds. Briffault also briefly referenced humans to contrast their behavioral patterns from those of animals. More, as it suggests that women are primarily motivated by the benefits they can gain from relationships with men of superior status or resources.

In a world where women are increasingly educated and economically successful, this creates a paradox. As women achieve higher levels of education and career success, the pool of men who are “above” them in terms of status diminishes. This can lead to a situation in which women have fewer suitable partners to choose from, potentially contributing to rising rates of singlehood and delayed marriages.

Hypergamyhy·per·ga·my| hīˈpərɡəmē | nounthe action of marrying or forming a sexual relationship with a person of a superior sociological or educational background. The word hypergamy comes from the Greek prefix hyper- meaning "above" and gamos meaning "marriage". It was first used in the 1880s by English anthropologists to describe the practice of marrying into a higher caste in the Indian subcontinent. The term was coined while translating classical Hindu law books from Sanskrit to English. The opposite of hypergamy is hypogamy, which means marrying into a lower social class or status. The Sanskrit term for hypogamy is pratiloma. The term hypergamy has since broadened to include any situation where someone marries into a more privileged or powerful social class, based on factors such as wealth, education, or physical attractiveness. More is also problematic for men who may feel that their value in the dating market is being diminished if they do not meet women’s high expectations for status and wealth. For men who do not earn six-figure salaries or hold prestigious jobs, the dating market may seem increasingly competitive and skewed in favor of a small percentage of high-status men who attract the majority of women’s attention. This hypergamoushy·per·ga·my| hīˈpərɡəmē | nounthe action of marrying or forming a sexual relationship with a person of a superior sociological or educational background. The word hypergamy comes from the Greek prefix hyper- meaning "above" and gamos meaning "marriage". It was first used in the 1880s by English anthropologists to describe the practice of marrying into a higher caste in the Indian subcontinent. The term was coined while translating classical Hindu law books from Sanskrit to English. The opposite of hypergamy is hypogamy, which means marrying into a lower social class or status. The Sanskrit term for hypogamy is pratiloma. The term hypergamy has since broadened to include any situation where someone marries into a more privileged or powerful social class, based on factors such as wealth, education, or physical attractiveness. More trend reinforces Briffault’s Law in that women continue to seek relationships where they perceive a clear benefit, whether financial, social, or genetic.

Implications for Modern Men

Given these shifts in female behavior—promiscuity, rejection of motherhood, and hypergamy—what can modern men learn from Briffault’s Law? The key takeaway is that the dynamics of dating and relationships have fundamentally changed, and men must adapt to these new realities.

1. Understanding the New Transactional Nature of Relationships
   Briffault’s Law suggests that women’s interest in relationships is primarily driven by what they stand to gain. In a world where women are more self-sufficient, men must recognize that traditional forms of value—such as financial support or protection—may no longer be enough to sustain long-term relationships. Emotional intelligence, compatibility, and shared values are becoming increasingly important in modern dating, as women seek partners who can provide more than just material benefits.
2. Adapting to the Rise of Casual Relationships
   The increase in female promiscuity reflects a broader shift toward casual relationships. Men who struggle with this trend may need to adjust their expectations and recognize that not all women are looking for long-term commitment. Understanding that women are still seeking benefits from these interactions—whether sexual or emotional—can help men navigate the dating landscape with greater confidence.
3. Navigating Hypergamyhy·per·ga·my| hīˈpərɡəmē | nounthe action of marrying or forming a sexual relationship with a person of a superior sociological or educational background. The word hypergamy comes from the Greek prefix hyper- meaning "above" and gamos meaning "marriage". It was first used in the 1880s by English anthropologists to describe the practice of marrying into a higher caste in the Indian subcontinent. The term was coined while translating classical Hindu law books from Sanskrit to English. The opposite of hypergamy is hypogamy, which means marrying into a lower social class or status. The Sanskrit term for hypogamy is pratiloma. The term hypergamy has since broadened to include any situation where someone marries into a more privileged or powerful social class, based on factors such as wealth, education, or physical attractiveness. More and the Status Gap
   Hypergamyhy·per·ga·my| hīˈpərɡəmē | nounthe action of marrying or forming a sexual relationship with a person of a superior sociological or educational background. The word hypergamy comes from the Greek prefix hyper- meaning "above" and gamos meaning "marriage". It was first used in the 1880s by English anthropologists to describe the practice of marrying into a higher caste in the Indian subcontinent. The term was coined while translating classical Hindu law books from Sanskrit to English. The opposite of hypergamy is hypogamy, which means marrying into a lower social class or status. The Sanskrit term for hypogamy is pratiloma. The term hypergamy has since broadened to include any situation where someone marries into a more privileged or powerful social class, based on factors such as wealth, education, or physical attractiveness. More remains a potent force in modern dating, but men can counteract the pressure to meet unrealistic standards by focusing on self-improvement in areas other than just financial success. Developing emotional intelligence, pursuing personal passions, and cultivating meaningful connections can help men stand out in a hypergamoushy·per·ga·my| hīˈpərɡəmē | nounthe action of marrying or forming a sexual relationship with a person of a superior sociological or educational background. The word hypergamy comes from the Greek prefix hyper- meaning "above" and gamos meaning "marriage". It was first used in the 1880s by English anthropologists to describe the practice of marrying into a higher caste in the Indian subcontinent. The term was coined while translating classical Hindu law books from Sanskrit to English. The opposite of hypergamy is hypogamy, which means marrying into a lower social class or status. The Sanskrit term for hypogamy is pratiloma. The term hypergamy has since broadened to include any situation where someone marries into a more privileged or powerful social class, based on factors such as wealth, education, or physical attractiveness. More dating market. Additionally, men may benefit from seeking partners who value equality and mutual respect, rather than purely status-based relationships.
4. Reevaluating Long-Term Goals
   As more women choose to delay or forgo motherhood, men must also reconsider their long-term goals. Traditional markers of success in relationships—marriage and children—may not be as relevant in the 21st century. Men who are open to alternative forms of relationships, whether child-free partnerships or non-traditional family structures, may find greater satisfaction and stability in their romantic lives.

Conclusion

Briffault’s Law provides a valuable lens through which to examine modern gender dynamics and relationship trends. As women become more independent and selective in their relationships, men must adapt to a changing landscape where traditional roles are no longer the norm. Promiscuity, the exodus from motherhood, and extreme hypergamyhy·per·ga·my| hīˈpərɡəmē | nounthe action of marrying or forming a sexual relationship with a person of a superior sociological or educational background. The word hypergamy comes from the Greek prefix hyper- meaning "above" and gamos meaning "marriage". It was first used in the 1880s by English anthropologists to describe the practice of marrying into a higher caste in the Indian subcontinent. The term was coined while translating classical Hindu law books from Sanskrit to English. The opposite of hypergamy is hypogamy, which means marrying into a lower social class or status. The Sanskrit term for hypogamy is pratiloma. The term hypergamy has since broadened to include any situation where someone marries into a more privileged or powerful social class, based on factors such as wealth, education, or physical attractiveness. More are all reflections of this evolution, underscoring the transactional nature of modern relationships.

For men, the key takeaway from Briffault’s Law is the importance of understanding the shifting motivations behind women’s relationship choices. By focusing on self-improvement, emotional intelligence, and compatibility, modern men can navigate these changes more successfully and form meaningful connections in a world that looks very different from the one Briffault originally observed.