Aggression: Evolution Flashcards
Infidelity and jealousy: What are we competing for in life and why?
- we compete for the right partner
- to successfully reproduce and pass on our genes
Infidelity and jealousy: What can a woman be certain of but a man cannot?
- parental certainty:
that the child is biologically hers - this is why babies are born to look more like their fathers
Infidelity and jealousy: Why might a woman be jealous if the man is with another woman?
- she has to share resources
- this might lead to aggression from the woman
Infidelity and jealousy: Why might aggression in females be necessary?
- drive off other potential mates
- aka eliminate competition
Infidelity and jealousy: Why might a man be aggressive?
- he doesn’t want to give resources to another man’s child without his genes
Infidelity and jealousy: What are limited resources? Give examples.
- what we need to increase our chances of survival
- e.g. food, shelter, money (job)
Infidelity and jealousy: What does this theory suggest as the reason for aggression?
- aggression for resources that increase chances of survival in order to pass on genes
Being seen as stronger: What does this theory suggest as the reason for aggression?
- to be seen as stronger in social groups
- less likely to be attacked
- more likely to survive
Rape: What is its purpose?
- last resort for someone wanting to reproduce
- extreme jealously of sexual rivals and lack of success
- woman of good reproductive fitness so easily impregnated
OR
- maladaptive version of male sexuality
- males use strategies to attract females and persuade them to have sex
- rapists have a strong sex drive
- they rape at peak reproductive age
Innate response: What does this suggest?
- aggression due to natural selection
- passed on aggressive traits
- male ancestor was aggressive to compete and eliminate male competition to ensure reproductive success
Innate response: Why would males be aggressive?
- towards own mate
- so that she does not leave him
