Evolutionary explanations of human aggression Flashcards
What do evolutionary explanations focus on?
The adaptive nature of behaviour
How can evolution explain aggression?
It is a strategy that would have been effective at solving adaptive problems
What does aggression increase, according to the evolutionary explanation?
The likelihood of survival + reproduction
What is sexual competition?
When males compete with other males to seek access to females
How could males eliminate sexual competition?
Through aggression
How much more muscle mass do males have than females?
75%
What is the difference between male and female jaw bones?
Male jaw bones are thicker
Are males or females more likely to die violently?
Males
What is sexual jealousy?
The consequence of paternal uncertainty
Why do only males experience sexual jealousy?
Because females can always be certain that the baby they carry is biologically theirs
What is cuckoldry?
When a male unwittingly invests his resources in offspring that aren’t his
What is the adaptive function of sexual jealousy?
To deter a mate from sexual infidelity
What strategies did Buss suggest males have evolved for the sole purpose of keeping a mate?
Violence/threats of violence towards the mate or a perceived love rival
What percentage of UK murder cases are the result of sexual jealousy?
17%
What are the 4 AO3 points of the evolutionary explanations of aggression?
1) Socialisation may be a better explanation of gender differences in aggression
2) Aggressive behaviour may not always be adaptive
3) Gender bias in evolutionary explanations of aggression
4) Support for the link between aggression and status
How can parenting explain gender differences in aggression
Parents are more likely to physically punish boys for bad conduct, whereas they are more likely to verbally scold girls who misbehave
Although girls are less physically aggressive than boys, in what ways are they more aggressive?
Socially
How can aggression be non-adaptive?
It can result in social ostracism, injury or even death
What did Buss suggest about aggression being maladaptive?
The benefits of aggression must only have outweighed the costs on average relative to other strategies in the evolutionary past
How does the evolutionary explanation of aggression in warfare suffer from gender bias?
It does not adequately reflect the behaviour of females in this process
How common are female warriors?
Very uncommon
Why do psychologists suggest women have less to gain and more to lose in warfare?
Because of their reproductive capacity
How has anthropological evidence supported the link between aggression and status?
Many tribal communities bestow increased status and honour to men who have committed murder
How has evidence from gangs supported the link between aggression and status?
The most violent gang members often have the highest status + respect from other gang members
What are males highly sensitive to?
Perceived challenges to their status
