Topic 6 - Bullying Flashcards
What is the definition of bullying?
Bullying is a goal-directed behaviour to harm others in the context of a power imbalance.
In evolutionary terms, what is bullying?
Bullying is the product of dominance. It’s about physical or social control.
Physical: solidifies hierarchies.
Social: can result in ostracism.
What are the costs of bullying?
Time, effort, retaliation, exile.
What are the benefit of bullying?
Resources, power, self-protection, sex.
Is bullying an evolutionary adaptation?
Yes, just as much as pro-social behaviour is, depending on the environment.
Can bullying be useful?
Yes, to maintain the dominance hierarchy, although it doesn’t justify it.
What is gossip?
Gossip is an evolutionary adaptation to catch free riders. It can be used in intra-sex competition.
