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Blackmailing: the keystone in the human mating system.
Milind G Watve1, Anuja Damle, Bratati Ganguly
1Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Sai Trinity Building, Pashan, Pune 411021, India. milind@iiserpune.ac.in
BMC Evolutionary Biology
|November 30, 2011
Summary
Human monogamy persists due to social policing and blackmailing, which offset the genetic benefits of extra-pair mating (EPM). This game theory model reveals how these unique human behaviors stabilize committed relationships.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary biology
- Game theory
- Human behavior
Background:
- Human mating systems often involve bi-parental care and value monogamy, yet extra-pair mating (EPM) offers genetic benefits.
- Despite societal norms and punishments, both sexes engage in EPM, creating a conundrum for maintaining faithful monogamy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To model the human mating system using game theory.
- To investigate factors that stabilize or destabilize faithful committed monogamy.
Main Methods:
- Game theory modeling of the human mating system.
- Analysis of factors including mate guarding, social policing via gossiping, and blackmailing.
Main Results:
- Mate guarding alone does not ensure monogamy.
- Social policing, though costly and prone to free-riding, stabilizes monogamy when blackmailing benefits outweigh policing costs.
- Blackmailing transforms policing into a non-altruistic act, crucial for maintaining high levels of obligate monogamy.
Conclusions:
- Faithful monogamy can be maintained despite EPM advantages.
- Gossiping and blackmailing are unique human mating system elements that stabilize monogamy.
- Blackmailing is essential for making policing non-altruistic and thus crucial for maintaining obligate monogamy.
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