Evolutionary explanations of human aggression Flashcards
Why is sexual jealousy more common in men
They can never be totally sure if they are their child’s parent
What is cuckoldry
Man having to raise child that’s not his own (paternity uncertainty)
Why is cuckoldry so scary
-Investment in offspring that no shares genes= waste of resources
-Contributes to survival of rival’s genes
-Father has - resources for future offspring
Purpose of sexual jealousy
To retain partner/prevent them from straying
Male retention strategies (Wilson/Daly 1996)
-Direct guarding
-Negative inducements
What is direct guarding (MRS)
Vigilance over partner’s behaviour (e.g tracking them)
What is negative inducements
Threats of dire consequences for infidelity
How are male retention strategies linked to physical violence (Wilson et al 1995)
Women who reported them to Wilson et al were 2X likely to have experienced physical violence from partners
What % of women who reported MRS had required medical attention (Wilson et al 1995)
73%
What % of women who reported MRS had feared for their lives (Wilson et al 1995)
53%
Evolutionary explanation of male bullying
Shows dominance/gets resources/wards off rivals= naturally selected as greater reproductive success
Also protects health as others don’t mess with them
Evolutionary explanation of female bullying
Method of controlling partner for maintaining future offspring= naturally selected as greater reproductive success
Strength of evolutionary explanation of aggression
Can explain gender differences
-e.g Campbell says not adaptive for females to be physically aggressive as safety risk so use verbal
Such arguments can provide support for the evolutionary approach
Weakness of evolutionary explanations of human aggression
Cultural differences in aggressive behaviour
-e.g Kung San ppl discourage aggression from childhood
-cultural/social norms powerfully constrain aggression in this society
So of some cultures don’t show aggression such behaviour may not be adaptive
