Homicide Adaptation Theory
Understanding the evolution of homicide
This framework proposes that humans have evolved specific psychological mechanisms that predispose them to kill others under certain predictable circumstances, such as warfare, intrasexual rivalry, or spousal infidelity or defection.
- Homicide is an evolved adaptation that has been shaped by natural selection.
- Homicide is a context-sensitive solution to an array of adaptive problems, including protecting oneself and kin from injury or death.
- Homicide adaptations have co-evolved with anti-homicide defenses, resulting in a perpetual co-evolutionary arms race.
- Identify the adaptive problems that homicide solvesDetermine the specific problems that homicide is an adaptation to, such as protecting oneself and kin from injury or death.Pro tipConsider the role of cultural and societal factors in shaping the expression of homicide adaptations.WarningBe aware of the potential for homicide to be used as a means of coercive control or to eliminate sources of conflict.
- Assess the co-evolution of homicide adaptations and anti-homicide defensesEvaluate the ways in which homicide adaptations have co-evolved with anti-homicide defenses, resulting in a perpetual co-evolutionary arms race.Pro tipConsider the importance of understanding the evolutionary history of homicide and its relationship to other forms of violence.WarningBe aware of the potential for the co-evolutionary arms race to lead to an escalation of violence and aggression.
The comparative evidence from chimpanzees
The comparative evidence from chimpanzees, our closest primate relative, suggests that adaptations for killing conspecifics exist in many species.
OutcomeThe comparative evidence highlights the importance of understanding the evolutionary roots of homicide and its relationship to other forms of violence.
Underestimating the role of evolutionary factors
Failing to recognize the importance of evolutionary factors in shaping the expression of homicide can lead to a lack of understanding of the underlying causes of homicide.
Overemphasizing the role of cultural factors
While cultural factors can play a role in shaping the expression of homicide, they should not be seen as the sole driver of homicide.
The framework is based on the work of Buss (2005) and Duntley (2005a, 2005b), who proposed that homicide is an evolved adaptation that has been shaped by natural selection.
Source · BOOK
Evolutionary Psychology The New Science of the Mind