Prestige evolved as a second status system distinct from dominance

Evidence

The growing body of adaptive information available in the minds of other people also drove genetic evolution to create a second form of human status, called prestige, which now operates alongside the dominance status we inherited from our ape ancestors. Once we understand prestige, it will become clear why people unconsciously mimic more successful individuals in conversations; why star basketball players like LeBron James can sell car insurance; how someone can be famous for being famous (the Paris Hilton Effect); and, why the most prestigious participants should donate first at charity events but speak last in decision-making bodies, like the Supreme Court. The evolution of prestige came with new emotions, motivations, and bodily displays that are distinct from those associated with dominance. — Joseph Henrich, The Secret of Our Success, 48

Categorization

• DEFINE: Distinguishes prestige (freely conferred deference to the skilled) from dominance (coercion-based) - a key distinction for who successfully transmits.
• XREF: connects to: Status symbols derive prestige from money, time, and exclusive access costs. — W. David Marx, Status and Culture: How Our Desire for…, 215; Prestige evolved to gain access to skilled cultural holders’ know-how — Joseph Henrich, The Secret of Our Success: How Culture…, 385; Prestige grants influence far beyond the domain of skill — Joseph Henrich, The Secret of Our Success: How Culture…, 388 (+6 more)

Broader Connections

• Animal dominance hierarchies poorly model human status structures #corroborates (0.95) — W. David Marx, Status and Culture, 62
• Attention functions as currency in prestige-differentiated social groups #expands (0.82) — Michael H. Goldhaber, The Attention Economy and the Net, 13
• Status hierarchies can emerge purely from individuals’ belonging, distinctiveness, and esteem needs #expands (0.78) — Roderick M. Kramer, Geoffrey J. Leonardelli, Robert W. Livingston, Social Cognition, Social Identity, and…, 855