Evolutionary explanations of human aggression

Evolutionary explanations of human aggression

1. Gene mutation

   • some mutations can be beneficial - help someone compete over limited resources

2. AG serves an important function in survival and reproductive success

   • helps individ to fight for resources that may be limited
   • females may be attracted to men who are AG bc they can protect them n kids

3. humans may have a natural tendency for AG - men being ag w other men similar to stags rutting

   • displays attruibutes and shows off to women
     • can father more children thus higher reproductive success

4. females strict w mates they choose - consider needs of their children - want a man w resources

   • ag men get the avaliable resources
   • HOWEVER ag men can also be seen as a threat to kids n her

5. jealousy is when an individ fears losing a mate to another

   • ag behaviour is displayed if any threats come to a RS
   • infidelity is same

6. Research&Evaluation

   • looked at men's violence towards women was to prevent them sleeping w another man
     • men were violent when found out their partner was unfaithful
   • women were attracted to men who were dominant - ag men can increase chance of reproductive success
     • dominant behaviour may have just enhanced their attractiveness
   • higher homicide rate when a man's partner is about to leave/left him
     • fear n jealousy increases ag
     • cultural diffs - other factors involved and the AG in partners is more complex than the theory says
   • difficult to test as much of the research is forced opinion format - conclusions lack detail so lacks validity
   • can suggest AG is out of a persons control thus effects the legal system - makes research socially sensitive - conduct w care