Journal article
Interpersonal Aggression among Aka Hunter-Gatherers of the Central African Republic: Assessing the Effects of Sex, Strength, and Anger
Human nature (Hawthorne, N.Y.), Vol.21(3), pp.330-354
10/2010
Handle:
https://hdl.handle.net/2376/108426
Abstract
Sex differences in physical and indirect aggression have been found in many societies but, to our knowledge, have not been studied in a population of hunter-gatherers. Among Aka foragers of the Central African Republic we tested whether males physically aggressed more than females, and whether females indirectly aggressed more than males, as has been seen in other societies. We also tested predictions of an evolutionary theory of physical strength, anger, and physical aggression. We found a large male bias in physical aggression. Controlling for anger, we found an adult female bias in indirect aggression. Physical strength predicted anger, which predicted hitting, although results were sensitive to the inclusion or exclusion of traditional healers, who were physically and emotionally distinct from other Aka. With some important caveats, our results generally support the predicted sex differences in physical aggression and indirect aggression, and the predicted relationships among anger, strength, and aggression.
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Details
- Title
- Interpersonal Aggression among Aka Hunter-Gatherers of the Central African Republic
- Creators
- Nicole Hess - Department of Anthropology Washington State University 14204 NE Salmon Creek Avenue Vancouver WA 98686-9600 USACourtney Helfrecht - Department of Anthropology Washington State University PO Box 644910 Pullman WA 99164‐4910 USAEdward Hagen - Department of Anthropology Washington State University 14204 NE Salmon Creek Avenue Vancouver WA 98686-9600 USAAaron Sell - Department of Psychology University of California Santa Barbara CA 93106‐9660 USABarry Hewlett - Department of Anthropology Washington State University 14204 NE Salmon Creek Avenue Vancouver WA 98686-9600 USA
- Publication Details
- Human nature (Hawthorne, N.Y.), Vol.21(3), pp.330-354
- Academic Unit
- Arts and Sciences, College of; Anthropology, Department of
- Publisher
- Springer US; Boston
- Identifiers
- 99900547229701842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article