Aggression is adaptive

An evolutionary approach to aggression

Aggression as an adaptive response

• In what ways could aggression be seen as adaptive to humans/animals?

Aggression as an adaptive response

• How could an evolutionist explain the high rates of domestic violence in our society?

Aggression as an adaptive response

• How would an evolutionist explain the higher levels of sexual jealously amongst males?

• Could this be seen as an adaptive behaviour?

Cuckoldry

Aggression as an adaptive response

• What different problems/emotions are faced by males and females if infidelity occurs?

Aggression as an adaptive response

• In what ways could male–male violence/homicide be seen as adaptive?

Aggression as an adaptive response

• Animal aggression is ritualistic (for the assertion of power, mating + maintenance of status)…

It follows a certain pattern…often little damage is done….if one backs down the other will show restraint….

Aggression as an adaptive response

• In humans it appears that aggression is no longer ritualistic. It takes place out of a desire to harm another.

• In what ways does today’s violence and aggression differ from the past?