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Selfishness and sex or cooperation and family values?

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  12 February 2009

Joshua M. Ackerman  and
Douglas T. Kenrick
Joshua M. Ackerman
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520-8205joshua.ackerman@yale.edu
Douglas T. Kenrick
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287-1104. douglas.kenrick@asu.edu
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Abstract

Evolutionary models of behavior often encounter resistance due to an apparent focus on themes of sex, selfishness, and gender differences. The target article might seem ripe for such criticism. However, life history theory suggests that these themes, and their counterparts, including cooperation, generosity, and gender similarities, represent two sides of the same coin – all are consequences of reproductive trade-offs made throughout development.

Type
Open Peer Commentary
Information
Behavioral and Brain Sciences , Volume 32 , Issue 1 , February 2009 , pp. 21
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2009

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