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Acculturation drives the evolution of intergroup conflict
Gil J B Henriques1, Burton Simon2, Yaroslav Ispolatov3
1Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 1Z4; henriques@zoology.ubc.ca.
Summary
Intergroup conflict can evolve even without resource benefits, driven by acculturation. This cultural transmission favors costly conflict behaviors in both individuals and groups.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary biology
- Social sciences
- Cultural evolution
Background:
- Intergroup conflict is common in human societies.
- Traditional explanations link conflict to resource acquisition.
- Conflict can occur even without direct benefits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the evolution of intergroup conflict without direct benefits.
- To explore the role of acculturation as a driver of conflict.
- To model the maintenance of costly conflict behaviors.
Main Methods:
- Developed a two-level model with state-dependent event rates.
- Incorporated evolving traits for individuals (warriors) and groups (conflict tendency, acculturation).
- Analyzed the coevolution of group engagement and acculturation.
Main Results:
- Group selection favors warrior production when conflicts occur.
- Group engagement can evolve if linked to acculturation.
- Horizontal cultural transmission can maintain costly conflict behaviors.
Conclusions:
- Acculturation acts as a cultural driver, promoting conflict transmission.
- Costly intergroup conflict can be maintained through cultural mechanisms.
- Models demonstrate how cultural traits can drive the evolution of conflict.
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