Kinship, Cooperation, and the Evolution of Moral Systems

The Quarterly Journal of Economics • Vol/Iss. 134(2) • Oxford University Press • Oxford • Published In • Pages: 953-1019 •
By Enke, Benjamin

Abstract

In this paper, the author argues that moral systems evolved as a way to enforce cooperation between people outside of kin groups. Because cooperation within kin groups has apparent adaptive advantages, it is argued that these moral systems will be less important for societies with tight kin groups and conversely more important for those with looser kin groups. In order to test this theory, the author creates an original model that incorporates both ethnographic data and data from contemporary countries. Thus, it is postulated that historical kinship practices will influence contemporary systems. The paper concludes that there is sufficient historical evidence for this theory.

Samples

Sample Used Coded Data Comment
Ethnographic Atlas (EA)by other researchers
World Values Survey (WVS)by other researchers
European Social Surveyby other researchers
Global Preference Surveyby other researchers
Moral Foundations Questionaireby other researchers

Hypotheses (10)

HypothesisSupported
According to the model, societies with historically tight kin relationships will regulate cooperation through shared moral values, revenge, emotions of external shame, and notions of purity and disgust.Supported
According to the model, societies with historically loose kin relationships will regulate cooperation through universal moral values, internalized guilt, altruistic punishment, and moralizing religions.Supported
Kinship tightness will be negatively correlated with dependence on hunting and gathering.Supported
Kinship tightness will be positively correlated with pathogen stress (malaria stability).Supported
Kinship tightness will be positively correlated with in-group favoritism.Supported
Kinship tightness will be negatively correlated with the presence of moralizing gods.Supported
Kinship tightness will be positively correlated with in-group loyalty.Supported
Kinship tightness will be positively correlated with emotions of disgust.Supported
Kinship tightness will be positively correlated with village level institutions.Supported
Kinship tightness will be negatively correlated with above village level institutions.Supported
Documents and Hypotheses Filed By: dmccloskey103  anj.droe