Story perspectives

Mothers Invest More; Daughters Get Guidance, Sons Get Sports

6/17/2026

Summary

Story summary

F. Sid Dougan, William Costello and David M. Buss published a study that mothers and fathers differ in investment toward sons and daughters.
The study surveyed 105 newlyweds from Washtenaw, Michigan, in their year of marriage, with participants aged 19-36 rating 73 behaviors across 13 domains.
Mothers gave more investment than fathers, with daughters receiving more mating guidance, protection and material support and sons receiving athletics, encouragement and sexual permissiveness.

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Story summary

F. Sid Dougan, William Costello and David M. Buss published a study that mothers and fathers differ in investment toward sons and daughters.
The study surveyed 105 newlyweds from Washtenaw, Michigan, in their year of marriage, with participants aged 19-36 rating 73 behaviors across 13 domains.
Mothers gave more investment than fathers, with daughters receiving more mating guidance, protection and material support and sons receiving athletics, encouragement and sexual permissiveness.