J. P. Rushtons theory of ethnic nepotism

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Publication Type pre-print
School or College College of Social & Behavioral Science
Department Anthropology
Creator Harpending, Henry C.
Other Author Salter, Frank
Title J. P. Rushtons theory of ethnic nepotism
Date 2012-01-01
Description Unreciprocated aid among co-ethnics and the emotional intensity of ethnic conflict have long been explanatory challenges to evolutionary science. J. P. Rushton's theory of assortative ethnic affiliation-altruism, mating and friendship directed towards fellow ethnics-derives from his more general theory of genetic similarity (GST). GST proposes that humans give preferential treatment to others in whom they detect genetic resemblance and that such behaviour enhances genetic fitness. The theory coincides with W. D. Hamilton's theory of inclusive fitness as applied to relations between populations. GST helps explain core features of ethnicity, including its basis in putative kinship and correlation with gene frequencies. Ethnic nepotism due to similarity is a weak social force compared to social identity. However its pervasiveness makes it a potential driver of evolutionary and social change, a potential borne out by sociological studies of the impact of ethnic diversity on social cohesion and public altruism. Genomics confirms the theory for interactions within populations with sufficient genetic diversity, such as ethnically mixed societies. GST applied to ethnicity is promising for further research in evolutionary social science because it unifies evolutionary and behavioral mechanisms in a single theory.
Type Text
Publisher Elsevier
Language eng
Bibliographic Citation Salter, F., & Harpending, H. (2012). J. P. Rushtons theory of ethnic nepotism. Personality and Individual Differences.
Rights Management (c) Elsevier ; Authors manuscript from Salter, F., & Harpending, H. (2012). J.P. Rushtons theory of ethnic nepotism. Personality and Individual Differences. http://dx.doi.org/; http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2012.11.014
Format Medium application/pdf
Format Extent 2,272,697 bytes
Identifier uspace,18125
ARK ark:/87278/s63x8rfq
Setname ir_uspace
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Reference URL https://collections.lib.utah.edu/ark:/87278/s63x8rfq
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