evolutionary explanations of human aggression Flashcards
sexual jealousy in males
stems from paternity uncertainty- never sure whether they are the father or not
this results from the threat of cuckoldry- having to raise offspring that is not ones own
any investment into offspring that doesnt occupy his genes is a waste of his resources this is because it contributes to the survival of his rivals genes and leaves him with fewer resources for his own offspring
mate retention strategies
Wilson and Daly- identification of mate retention strategies that involved violence and aggression
-DIRECT GUARDING– male vigilance over behaviour eg tracking apps
-negative inducements– issuing threat over infidelity eg ill kill myself if you leave me
physical violence over partner (1990s)
Wilson asked women to report mate retention strategies in their partners measured in terms of how far do you agree to for eg he insists on knowing who you are with and where you are at all times
women who agreed with the statements were twice as likely to have experienced domestic violence at the hands of their partners
of these women 53% required medical attention and 73% said they feared for their lives
evaluation positives
gender differences explained
-Campbell argued hat females favour verbal over physical aggression this is because they dont want to risk their offsprings life as well as their own
evaluation limitations
- there are substantial cultural differences in aggressive behaviour
!Kung San people of western Botswana in Africa were stuied by Thomas who called them the Harmless People because aggression was discouraged from a young age and people who displayed aggression had their reputation diminished within the community
HOWEVER- controvery about how peaceful they actually are, Lee found that homocide rate is surprisingly high therefore Thomas may have been biased in sampling and observations by outsiders may not be useful so lacks validity
