The evolution of magnanimity : When is it better to give than to receive?

Conspicuous consumption associated with status reinforcement behavior can be explained in terms of costly signaling, or strategic handicap theory, first articulated by Zahavi and later formalized by Grafen. A theory is introduced which suggests that the evolutionary raison d'être of status rein...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Human nature (Hawthorne, N.Y.) N.Y.), 1998-03, Vol.9 (1), p.1-21
Main Author: Boone, J L
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Altruism
Consumption
Evolution
Evolutionary Theories
Human ecology
Philanthropy
Reproduction
Social behaviour
Social Status
Status Attainment
Studies
Citations: Items that this one cites
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Summary:Conspicuous consumption associated with status reinforcement behavior can be explained in terms of costly signaling, or strategic handicap theory, first articulated by Zahavi and later formalized by Grafen. A theory is introduced which suggests that the evolutionary raison d'être of status reinforcement behavior lies not only in its effects on lifetime reproductive success, but in its positive effects on the probability of survival through infrequent, unpredictable demographic bottlenecks. Under some circumstances, such "wasteful" displays may take the form of displays of altruistic behavior and generosity on the part of high status individuals, in that is signals the ability to bear the short-term costs of being generous or "cooperative," while at the same time reinforcing the long-term benefits of higher status.
ISSN:1045-6767
1936-4776
DOI:10.1007/s12110-998-1009-y