Kin selection explains cooperation only among genetically related relatives
Evidence
Many cooperative acts, however, like giving a ride, holding doors, or giving money to the needy, cannot be adequately described in terms of reciprocity so understood. One might, of course, describe such acts as examples of “generalized reciprocity,” a notion that, according to Sahlins who made it popular, “refers to transactions that are putatively altruistic, transactions on the line of assistance given and, if possible and necessary, assistance returned. […] This is not to say that handing over things in such form … generates no counter-obligation. But the counter is not stipulated by time, quantity, or quality: the expectation of reciprocity is indefinite” (Sahlins 1965, p. 147). Such forms of cooperation are indeed genuine and important. Their description in terms of “reciprocity” however, can be misleading if it leads one to expect that the evolution of generalized reciprocity could be explained by generalizing standard models of the evolution of strict reciprocity. Free-riding, which is already difficult to control in strict reciprocity situations, is plainly not controlled in these cases; hence, the evolution of generalized reciprocity cannot be explained in terms of partner control. … We prefer therefore to talk of “mutualism” rather than of “generalized reciprocity.” — Nicolas Baumard, A mutualistic approach to morality, 75 (
#corroborates, via linked claim)
Categorization
- XREF: connects to: Kinship and reciprocity alone cannot explain large-scale human cooperation — Norenzayan, Ara, Big gods - how religion transformed…, 648; Kin selection arises from helping related individuals reproduce; Animal societies may have originated from sibling bonds rather than parent-child ties — Georg Simmel, on individuality and social forms_…, 627 (+4 more)
Related
- Generalized reciprocity cannot be explained by partner-control mechanisms. (similarity 0.87)
- Kinship and reciprocity alone cannot explain large-scale human cooperation (similarity 0.83)
- Neither kin selection nor reciprocal altruism can explain large-scale human cooperation. (similarity 0.82)
- Cooperation arises from partner choice, not reciprocal tit-for-tat, across species and human development. (similarity 0.82)
- Human ultrasociality rests on cultural moral systems and reciprocity rather than kin selection. (similarity 0.80)
Broader Connections
- Kin selection arises from helping related individuals reproduce
#expands(0.95) - Policing institutions substitute for kinship in genetically diverse populations
#qualifies(0.85) - Cooperation arises from partner choice, not reciprocal tit-for-tat, across species and human development.
#contradicts(0.80) — Nicolas Baumard, A mutualistic approach to morality, 593 - Generalized reciprocity cannot be explained by partner-control mechanisms.
#corroborates(0.80) — Nicolas Baumard, A mutualistic approach to morality, 75 - Animal societies may have originated from sibling bonds rather than parent-child ties
#exemplifies(0.75) — Georg Simmel, on individuality and social forms_…, 627