Evolution and Human aggression (2) (WARFARE)

Evolution and Human aggression (2) (WARFARE)

1. The evolutionary explanation argues that aggressive group displays evolve because of the adaptive benefits for the individual and their offspring

2. Benefits of aggressive displays:

   • Traditional societies men compete for mates
     • Societies that experience frequent warfare... men are rewarded with access to females by fighting
   • Acquisition of status
     • Displays of aggression and bravery in battle gets status in the eyes of group members
       • Therefor is likely to increase reproductive fitness

3. Costly displays signal commitment

   • Signals
     • Permanent displays (scars and mutilation)... warriors show loyalty to the group
   • Minimising defection
     • Where there is common warfare between groups
       • Permanent displays reduce members absconding + increases commitment to group

4. 1) There is research support for the sexual selection explanation...

   • The claim that aggressive displays increase sexual attraction of male warriors
     • Evidence from Palmer and Tilly who found
       • Youth street gang members had more sexual partners than other males
   • Military men have greater sex appeal...but... only if observed showing bravery in combat

5. 2) War is not a gene...

   • War emerged when humans changed from a NOMADIC existence to a settled one
     • Tied down by agriculture and fishing sites they now had something to defend
       • It therefor appears that warfare emerged as a rational response to a changing lifestyle
   • Aggressive displays are not likely to be a product of evolution... more likely response of changing environment
     • Rising population + dwindling food supplies

6. 3) Limitations of an evolutionary explanation of warfare...

   • Explanations of aggressive displays based on mating displays, status or commitment
     • Fail to explain the extreme cruelty that is often found in many human conflicts but not in non-humans
       • Why humans torture or mutilate opponents even when they pose not threat

7. 4) IDA Explanations of aggressive displays are gender biased...

   • Limited to the behaviour of males rather than females
     • Females have a lot less to gain from fighting in near death situations
       • Females have a lot more to lose (reproductive success)