As a newcomer to this sub, I've noticed a lot of biological theory being thrown around. Most of it seems to be somewhat on point, but it's always useful to have a greater understanding.

The Selfish Gene by Richard Dawkins is the best crash course in evolutionary theory that I've found thus far. It was written while the man was still a biologist first and foremost, so don't be concerned about overly preachy reading.

In particular, I suggest chapter 9: Battle of the Sexes. It looks in detail at the decision making process of monogamy vs hypergamy and gives it a genetic backing. While it doesn't discuss people explicitly, and we should thus be wary of applying it directly, it makes for interesting consideration.

Another area to look at is his discussion on memes. Now unfortunately, I've been informed by a friend that it's somewhat contentious, so I need to look further into it. The idea of ideas spreading through the populace like genes is incredibly alluring.

It also brings up divorce lawyers in a none too charitable fashion.

As an aside, evolutionary psychology is pretty much Hitler in the field of psychology. Just thought I should mention that.

Here's a link to a legal, free PDF: https://ia802707.us.archive.org/4/items/TheSelfishGene/RichardDawkins-TheSelfishGene.pdf