Evolutionary explanation for humans

• sexual jealousy:

  • major motivator of aggression in males - paternity uncertainty
  • men are at risk of cuckoldry
  • men may unknowingly invest in resources in offspring that isnt theirs, future resources limited
• mate retention strategies (wilson + daly):

  • direct guarding - vigilance of partners behaviour, restricting behaviour e.g coming home early + checking who they see
  • negative inducements - issuing threats/consequences for infidelity e.g suicide
• physical violence against partner (wilson et al):

  • women who reported strategies (agreed with statements e.g insisting on knowing where + who youre with) 2x more likely to be subjected to physical violence
  • 73% medical attention, 53% feared for their lives
• bullying:

  • characteristics of bullying may be attractive e.g strength
  • ward of potential rivals - greater reproductive success
  • benefits bullys health - tough reputation, less likely to experience aggression themselves, less stress
• EVALUATION: research support

  • shackleford et al - positive correlation between mens reports of strategies + womens reports of physical violence
  • using direct guarding + negative inducements = more likely to use violence
  • clear link, greater chance of cuckoldry + aggression
• EVALUATION: real world application

  • understanding adaptive motivations, professionals can work with people to guide behaviour
  • ellis et al - strats that reward prosocial alternatives to bullying e.g providing status from roles in schools
  • effective interventions, reduces occurences
• EVALUATION: biological determinism

  • aggressive because of adaptations, increased survival of ancestors - inconsistent with criminal justice system
  • humanistic = exercise free will, cognitive = consequences of behaviour
  • not inevitable, always own responsibility