Evolution

• Evolution - gradual changes in inherited characteristics over generations - survival of the fittest - changes are caused by random mutations leading to variation between members of the same species
• aggressive gene - MAOA

  Known as warrior gene passed down from our ancestors

  Low functioning version of this gene = more aggressive
• Aggression as a tool to assert dominance/social status

  Help ancestors gain territory, resources and negotiate status

  Aggressive behaviour traits used in hunting - survival advantage
• Aggression = mate retention

  Buss 1989 males developed strategies for mate retention

  Restricting movement of female partner

  Negative inducements threats of violence to prevent female partner from straying

  Ensure males genes are passed on
• Aggression in women

  Nurture roles - females show violence to protect children
• Evaluation

  • Chester 2015 - sample of female saliva - positive correlation between low functioning MAOA warrior gene and aggression levels
  • Counterpoint - research is correlational - only observe not manipulate variables - cannot establish an effect - could be due to society or culture or social learning theory
  • Epigenetics - Environmental stimuli has the potential to cause genetic modification
• evaluation

  • hill and hurtado - Aggression leads to increase social status in Yanomamo tribe Venezuela -supports evolutionary theory - respect nature they live in
  • Wolfgang and ferracchti - Cannot explain differences between aggression levels in cultures - kan san people had low levels of aggression as that behaviour was discouraged as a child - aggression levels not universal