Final answer:
The valuation of men and women in the SMP is influenced by biological predispositions, social double standards, and economic factors, resulting in different perceptions of worth and desirability based on gender.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to the text, the valuation of men and women differ in the context of the sexual market place (SMP) due to evolved sex differences and societal norms. In the SMP, men often value multiple partners and prioritize physical aspects such as youth and attractiveness, while women may seek qualities such as stability, resources, or status in potential partners. These differences can be linked to biological predispositions as well as socio-economic factors. For example, the double standard regarding sexual conduct often leads to men being valued for having multiple partners, whereas women may be devalued for the same behavior, as researched by Milhausen and Herold (1999).
Economic considerations also play a role in the valuation of men and women within the SMP. Blau, Ferber, and Winkler (2010) note that in terms of labor, women's work is often undervalued compared to men's, affecting both the actual income and perceived worth of women. Moreover, the gender-based earnings gap and societal sexism affect women's economic opportunities and can indirectly influence their perceived value in the SMP. The sexual response and desire differ between genders, with men and women experiencing different levels of arousal and intensity, contributing to the dynamics within the SMP, as noted by various psychological and biological studies.