Lethal aggression in mobile forager bands and implications for the origins of war

Science • Vol/Iss. 341 • Published In • Pages: 270-272 •
By Fry, Douglas P., Söderberg, Patrik

Abstract

This article examines the incidence of warfare in mobile forager band societies. Data analysis suggests that the majority of lethal aggression in such societies can be classified as homicide. Feuding is common and warfare a definite minority. The authors offer several reasons why warfare would be uncommon in such societies: residence, descent, subsistence strategy, and social order are all cited.
Documents and Hypotheses Filed By: Amelia Piazza