The Evolution of Sex Differences in Aggression: A Costliness Continuum Perspective

• In Event: Dating, Mating, and Hating: Evolutionary Approaches to Communication Science (High-Density)

Abstract

This theoretical piece examines the nature and causes of interpersonal aggression from an evolutionary perspective, ultimately making a case for the consideration of evolutionary theory in the study of interpersonal aggression within the field of communication. First, human aggression is defined as an adaptation, and its myriad adaptive functions are outlined. An evolutionary explanation for empirically observed sex differences in aggression is provided, drawing from sexual selection and parental investment theories. Next, an economic cost-benefit analysis perspective is employed to explain sex differences in aggression—evolutionary theory and research suggests that males and females engage in mental cost-benefit aggression calculations to determine when aggression is deemed necessary and which form (e.g., direct or indirect) the aggression will take. To conclude, this evolutionary perspective is applied to the study of aggression within the field of communication and some preliminary future research directions are suggested.

Authors

• Lauren Keblusek, U of California, Santa Barbara

• Scott A. Reid, U of California - Santa Barbara