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jmcginn
Skeptic Friend
343 Posts |
 Posted - 09/02/2003 : 11:46:12 [Permalink]
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Walt Fristoe,
It really depends on what examples we use to model our past. We really don't know, but if we look at 2 of our closest relatives we see 2 very distinct different possibilities, chimps and bonobos. Chimps do have more dominating relationships and male dominance is natural while bonobos do not have such relationships and seem to live their lives in a perpetual orgy :> (just kidding, but there are dramatic differences).
http://songweaver.com/info/bonobos.html
If we extend our search to other apes we find all sorts of different social systems, some with dominate aggressive males, some with monogamous pairs, others with more gentle social relations. In fact it may well be that the differences we see between the chimps and bonobos may be mostly if not entirely cultural with very little biological influence and since cultural tendencies are much more malleable than biological ones they can be modified.
Also I would argue that sexual dimorphism is often a sign of male dominance patterns and humans are only mildly dimorphic when compared to strict male dominate societies such as gorillas or baboons. This could be some evidence pointing towards a more peaceful altruistic human nature. |
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