Evolutionary explanation of bullying

• bullying occurs because of a power imbalance, a more powerful individual uses aggression deliberately and repeatedly against a weaker person
• Researchers have traditionally viewed bullying as a maladaptive behaviour ,,for example the result of poor social skills or childhood abuse. however our evolutionary ancestors may have used bullying as an adaptive strategy to increase chances of survival
• For example it helps us acquire resources and look after themselves and their offspring/ mates, creates more opportunities for reproduction and passing on genes
• Volk et al- Characteristics associated with bullying behaviour are attractive to the opposite sex.

  in males it suggests dominance, acquire resources and ward off rivals. therefore such aggressive behaviour would be genetically inherited → greater reproductive success