really, how creepy for a progressive board group of men to ask.. how young of a girl can we lust

[Moonwalk]

129. You're ignoring social context and intelligence....

Tribes have shown us that the older man gather together younger men under him to protect him and do his bidding, He gets these with intelligence and social connections (like they're his sons or nephews). And he promises them young women if they'll do what he asks--as well as positions of power and other goodies--like secrets that he knows and no one else does.

So. The older man--being older--has accumulated wealth (let's say, hides to wear and tools to use AND secret information--where the best hunting grounds are, how to make certain tools). He also (through trial and error) knows how to manipulate younger men to protect him and his. Being that human beings are a superstitious lot, he can also make himself into a supernatural power.

Thus, the woman who goes for the older guy is safer and better provided for--her and her children. That 19 year old doesn't have years of accumulated goodies, years of connections, years of knowledge. What can he offer her except a good time and then he's off looking for another good time? He'll give her kids, but he won't be around to help her raise them, or protect them, or clothe and feed them.

This is assuming, of course, that the woman has a choice at all. Which you shouldn't assume. If we view other apes, the female usually doesn't have much of a choice at all. The biggest, baddest, cleverest ape takes over, and rules his harem. His females belong to him and have no say in the matter. But they do sneak out and have affairs with younger guys. Thus, they have the cake and eat it, too. More babies, and a protector/provider.