Behavioral and Brain Sciences
- Behavioral and Brain Sciences / Volume 32 / Issue 01 / February 2009, pp 21-21
- Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2009
- DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S0140525X09000028 (About DOI), Published online: 12 February 2009
Open Peer Commentary
Selfishness and sex or cooperation and family values?
Joshua M. Ackermana1 and Douglas T. Kenricka2
a1 Department of Psychology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520-8205 joshua.ackerman@yale.edu
a2 Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287-1104. douglas.kenrick@asu.edu
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.
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