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Evolutionary Explanation of Aggression - Coggle Diagram
Evolutionary Explanation of Aggression
evolutionary explanations are based on the animal kingdom and then applied to humans
they claim humans have an innate drive to pass on their genes
traits or behaviours which increase the chances of passing on genes are continued via natural selection
as they are more likely to survive
aggression is an adaptive behaviour
Sexual Jealousy
infidelity occurs when one partner seeks out another mate with whom to reproduce
male infidelity occurs more frequently according to evolutionary theory as a male has more opportunity to pass on genes
an adaptive behaviour which often results in aggressive acts
employing aggressive mate retention strategies
direct guarding
negative inducements
Direct Guarding
involves behaviours which restrict access of other males or direct violence which induce fear
Female sexual jealousy occurs to reduce the chance of the male leaving to be with another partner
Wilson (1995)
found women who reported mate retention strategies in their partners were twice as likely to have suffered physical violence from their partners
Stats
73% required medical attention
53% said they feared for their lives
They concluded that men who used direct guarding or negative inducements were more likely to use physical violence against their partners
which suggests that sexual jealousy results in aggressive behaviour
Shackleford (2005)
carried out a survey of 461 males and 560 females
about mate retention strategies
they found a positive correlation between mens reports of their mate retention strategies and women's reports of their partners physical violence
Suggests that sexual jealousy leads to aggressive behaviour
Bullying
where a more powerful individual attacks a weaker person deliberately and repeatedly
Evolutionary theory argues bullying is an adaptive strategy to increase chances of survival
Volk
agrees that characteristics of bullying are attractive to the opposite sex
ward off potential competitors
Women use bullying to secure their partner's fidelity so that they continue to provide resources for future offspring
Strengths
Supporting evidence
Shackleford
able to explain gender differences in behaviour
Campbell
practical applications
Claire's Law
Limitations
doesn't explain cultural differences
Kung San people