The evolutionary explanation of aggression Flashcards
Evolutionary explanations of Aggression
According to evolutionary theory, inherited genes can influence behaviour. If these genes give a survival advantage then individuals that have them are more likely to reproduce, passing these genes on to the next generation. Therefore genes that promote aggressive behaviour may be beneficial to reproductive success.
Aggression as an adaptive mechanism,
Buss identified 7 adaptations of aggression in humans:
1.Self Defence
2.Reputation- to ward off future aggression
3.To achieve status – more allies less enemies
4.Get and keep better share of resources. Pinker (1997) states aggression evolved in men to compete for women. This may have been the MAIN reason for aggression as there was no other property worth fighting over as we evolved.
5.Deny own resources to children of rivals
6.To prevent other males sharing the prime females
7.Prevent partner being unfaithful. For example, sexual jealousy may have evolved to ensure that men pass on their own genes rather than allowing other males access to their mate.
Inter-group aggression
Inter-group aggression- This is aggression between different groups, such as warfare and gangs.
Buss states human males have evolved cognitive bias towards organised aggression: E.g.
1.Cognitive bias to expect attack
2.Cultivating tough reputation
3.Use of vengeance as a deterrent
4.Strategies for planning and timing an attack
5.Deception and the ability to detect deception
Cosmides and Tooby, the Military Contract: Men will only fight if those who share the rewards also share the danger. Other animals are not bright enough to work this out.
Intra-group aggression
Intra-group aggression- This is aggression within a single group, mainly linked to male rivalry and sexual jealousy.
Intra-group aggression evaluation
+ Sadalla (1987) shows that women are more physically attracted to men who display dominant behaviour, however this did not improve the likeability of the males to the women. This suggests that aggression in men can improve reproductive success, making them more likely to pass on their genes, and that females may choose males that are able to provide protection to help with survival rather than for happiness.
+ Daley and Wilson (1988): reviewed statistics for violence and murder rates between couples, and found higher murder rates when the female partner was about to leave or just left. Some women reported men saying things like “If I can’t have you then no-one can” prior to their death. Acts of violence were highest when the women involved had a child by another man. This suggests that jealousy involved in losing a partner can lead to aggressive consequences and a lack of biological paternity can lead to aggression. They also state that Male – Male aggression among young men is common in all human cultures – suggesting it is evolutionary.
- Partner homicide is rare, and many people end relationships amicably and amicably raise children that aren’t theirs, so such men may have had individual differences that made them different from most men in the population, so low population validity.
