evolution as an explanation of aggression
evolution
studies
supporting evaluation points
how does this explain our behaviour?
natural selection- gradual process where genetic, heritable traits become more/ less common
adaptive traits result in more successful survival and therefore get passed on. maladaptive traits die out
gradual development of different kinds of living organism. changes in inherited characteristics over successive generations
natural selection= survival of fittest. sexual selection= survival of FITtest
environment has undergone massive change but still hardwired for previous times
our brains develop according to genetic blueprint from parents. evolved to serve adaptive function in environment of evolutionary adaption
physically stronger males could protect their mate and offspring; more successful at finding food; shelter and steal other resources off of weaker males and defend against attack
females who were less aggressive would be less likely to put themselves at risk- helpful for when pregnant, breastfeeding or nurturing their young
criticising evaluation points
+more physical aggression perpetrated by males
+males out perform females on spatial awareness tests (links to hunter-gathering EEA)
+females are shown to be more verbally agrgressive
-reductionist- genetics, social environment
-deterministic- free will?
-post hoc argument- theory developed to fit facts, difficult to prove
THORNHILL AND PALMER- male on female rape is said to be a 'reproductive strategy' adopted by men who are otherwise unlikely appealing yo women and thus cannot pass their genes on, have offspring to protect them. or it is high status men on socially vulnerable women who are unlikely to retaliate to increase reproductive success further
YANOMAMI TRIBE- when Yanomami tribes fight over resources against competing neighbours, women are: raped, beaten, and brought to new community to be adopted as wives. these wives are beaten frequently in an attempt to keep them faithful. sexual jealousy causes much violence where women are seen to be: beaten with clubs, sticks, machetes. burning with a branding stick occurs as a symbol of males strength or dominance over his wife.
DALY AND WILSON- threat of male aggression functions to deter long term female mates from sexual infidelity. male sexual jealousy is leading cause of spousal battering
+females often tend to be more nurturing
creationism?