Dominance Theory
Understanding social hierarchies
Dominance theory proposes that humans have evolved domain-specific strategies for reasoning about social norms involving dominance hierarchies. This theory suggests that human social reasoning will be strongly affected by rank, and that people will adopt different reasoning strategies depending on whether they are evaluating a deontic or an indicative rule.
- Humans have evolved domain-specific strategies for reasoning about social norms involving dominance hierarchies.
- Human social reasoning will be strongly affected by rank.
- People will adopt different reasoning strategies depending on whether they are evaluating a deontic or an indicative rule.
- Understand the concept of dominance hierarchiesRecognize that dominance hierarchies are a fundamental aspect of human social behavior, and that they can be observed in various contexts, including work, social groups, and romantic relationships.Pro tipPay attention to how people interact with each other, and how they establish and maintain dominance hierarchies.WarningBe aware that dominance hierarchies can be subtle and may not always be immediately apparent.
- Identify the role of deontic reasoning in dominance hierarchiesUnderstand that deontic reasoning is a type of reasoning that involves evaluating what is permitted, obligatory, or forbidden, and that it plays a crucial role in maintaining dominance hierarchies.Pro tipRecognize that people will often use deontic reasoning to justify their actions and maintain their position in the dominance hierarchy.WarningBe aware that deontic reasoning can be used to manipulate and exploit others, and that it can be used to maintain unjust dominance hierarchies.
- Apply the principles of dominance theory to real-life situationsUse the principles of dominance theory to understand and navigate social situations, including work, social groups, and romantic relationships.Pro tipPay attention to how people interact with each other, and how they establish and maintain dominance hierarchies.WarningBe aware that dominance hierarchies can be subtle and may not always be immediately apparent.
In a workplace setting, dominance hierarchies can be observed in the way that employees interact with each other and with their supervisors. For example, an employee who is higher in the dominance hierarchy may use deontic reasoning to justify their actions and maintain their position.
Denise Cummins proposed the dominance theory as a framework to account for many human cognitive capacities that are otherwise puzzling. She started with the proposal that the struggle for survival in human groups was often characterized by conflicts between those who were dominant and those who were trying to outwit those who were dominant.