Despotism and differential reproduction: a cross-cultural correlation of conflict asymmetry, hierarchy, and degree of polygyny

Ethnology and Sociobiology • Vol/Iss. 3 • Published In 1982 • Pages: 209-221 •

By Betzig, Laura L.

Abstract

This article uses a Darwinian approach, predicting that hierarchies persist and increase in social evolution because they increase fitness for individuals at higher levels within the hierarchy who choose to further social assymetry and benefit their fitness at the expense of the greater group. Polygyny is used as the indicator of fitness. Correlations tested support the hypothesis.

Samples
Sample Used	Coded Data	Comment
HRAF Collection of Ethnography (paper/fiche)	Researchers Own

Hypotheses (2)
Hypothesis	Supported
As groups increase in size and hierarchical complexity, individuals in power will exploit their positions to resolve conflicts of interest within the group asymmetrically (210).	Supported
As groups increase in size and hierarchical complexity, individuals in power will use their asymmetrical advantage to collect perquisites as third parties and a proportionate amount of polygynous relationships (210).	Supported

Documents and Hypotheses Filed By: Kate Cummings Megan Farrer

Despotism and differential reproduction: a cross-cultural correlation of conflict asymmetry, hierarchy, and degree of polygyny

Ethnology and Sociobiology • Vol/Iss. 3 • Published In 1982 • Pages: 209-221 • Cite

By Betzig, Laura L.

Abstract

Samples

Hypotheses (2)

Ethnology and Sociobiology • Vol/Iss. 3 • Published In 1982 • Pages: 209-221 •