Chapter 11: Aggression PDF

Chapter 11: Aggression Gaining or Maintaining Social Status Sexual Selection (also relevant to Attraction and Relationships) Status and Self-Defence Survival of the Friendliest? Gaining or Maintaining Social Status Aggression and Sexual Selection – Differential parental investme...

Chapter 11: Aggression Gaining or Maintaining Social Status Sexual Selection (also relevant to Attraction and Relationships) Status and Self-Defence Survival of the Friendliest? Gaining or Maintaining Social Status Aggression and Sexual Selection – Differential parental investment: The sex making higher investment in their offspring will be more careful in choosing mates (Parental Investment Theory) – Sexual selection: Form of natural selection favoring characteristics that assist animals in attracting mates and/or in competing with members of their own sex Females of many species choose to mate with males who win competitions against other males  Over evolutionary time, the process of sexual selection can lead to the emergence & spread of certain traits (status-orientation, aggressiveness, physical differences, etc.) Male musculature: Armament (competition) or Ornament (mate attraction)? BOTH Percentage of Same-Sex Homicides Across Various Cultures and Time Periods Male-Male Homicides are most common, often these occur during conflicts (or threats to status) Declines in Violence Over Time Gaining or Maintaining Social Status Sex and Testosterone Testosterone is associated with heightened aggressiveness (potential cause and consequence) Administrations of Testosterone increases likelihood of aggressiveness Testosterone appears to motivate status- oriented Behaviours, which may or may not turn into aggression Gaining or Maintaining Social Status Insults can elicit aggression Violent disputes between males often involve a battle over status starting with an insult (often public) “Trivial altercations” escalate due to a concern about saving face, which can lead to extreme lengths, even murder Gaining or Maintaining Social Status Culture influences whether status confrontations turn violent Culture of honour: A set of societal norms whose central idea is that people (particularly men) should be ready to defend their honour with violent retaliation if necessary Power, toughness, protection. Hatfields & McCoys Gaining or Maintaining Social Status Cultural Differences in Reaction to Insult Cohen et al., (1996) When Status Matters Threats to reputation/status (numerous previous slides) Blocked pathways to success Competition for mates “Young Male Syndrome” (Wilson & Daly, 1985) Young males, particularly when unpartnered or lower status, are more likely engage in violent altercations to: resolve seemingly trivial matters “save face” harm a rival enhance social status Young Male Syndrome in Action (S1, Ep 10) Protecting Oneself or Others Self-Defenders Protecting Oneself or Others Weapons effect: The tendency for weapons (guns, etc.) to enhance aggressive thoughts and feelings Perceived Threats and Self Protection – Carrying weapons increases likelihood of use (vicious circle) – Guns in homes decrease safety More likely to be harmed in (exceedingly rare) home invasions Increases risks of home accidents Increased risk of self-injury Household Theft and Burglary Have Declined (U.S. Dept of Justice) Guns Are the Leading Cause of Death Among American Children and Teens (2020; source): Firearm mortality rates per 100,000 for Children and Teens (1- 19 years) in the U.S. and peer countries (2020) (source) Reducing Violence Rewarding Alternatives to Aggression Threats of Punishment? (Better to incentivize good behaviour) Catharsis? Learning to manage anger (brooding and rumination don’t help) Eliminate blaming victims of our aggression (cognitive dissonance) Learn to apologize Role model nonaggressive behavior and empathy Are we doomed to suffer the consequences of Aggression? Consider Survival of the Friendliest (link)