The sexy son hypothesis is closely related to the good genes assumption and the Fisherian runaway selection process. Like good genes, the sexy son hypothesis assumes the existence of indirect genetic benefits that are able to compensate for any inferior direct reproductive success (i.e., fewer offspring).
The attractive son hypothesis is closely related to the good genes assumption and the Fisherian runaway selection process. Similar to good genes, the attractive son hypothesis proposes that indirect genetic benefits can mitigate lower direct reproductive success.