Does evolutionary theory explain tribalism and human warfare?

If I might provide a somewhat layman’s perspective – as I haven’t studied evolution academically – I would think that war is pretty much a given based on evolutionary theory.

The idea is that evolution is competition based and is all about propagating one’s genes, in order to pass on one’s genetic traits.

If your concern is reproduction then cooperation within a tribe or smaller community type situations where everyone knows everyone creates a level of safety from incursion that couldn’t be had on one’s own with a family to protect, through things like community child care and division of tasks.

In a community group there then manifest group needs and goals that are mutual between every member of the tribe. These group interests then lead to competition with other similarly organized groups.

I’m losing steam :D

Nope.

That would be sociology and psychology…

Evolution would merely explain why Ugh-Ugh that were more social and congregated were more successful procreators.

^—- That was a much better answer. :D

@TaoSan

Ugh Ugh eourrrrrrrr !

Well…if by evolution you mean the Darwinian model of natural selection for genes, then that depends on the extent to which we assume behavior is governed by genetics. However, there are also theories of cultural evolution that follow roughly the same lines of thought; favorable behaviors are passed on to descendants. In this case, however, it is very important to distinguish between what is favorable for the group and what is favorable for the individual. In times of external stress, the survival of the group is most important, and collective morality- tribalism, if you will- dominates. Also, as the individual is more dependent on the group, they will look to the group for their behavior, thus strengthening and perpetuating tribalism. In prosperous times, however, individualism may come to the forefront. Of course, there are innumerable other factors as well, but this is the basic mechanism by which tribalism can develop in some places and not in others. If genetics were to play a part as well, the outcome ought to be the same; except, perhaps, that individual tendencies, which seem like they ought to have less cultural momentum (because individualism, by its very nature, is subject to change), would possibly be more readily favored.

Ok, so tribes evolved as a behavior selected by better protection. But the problem is, the chicks you meet are now all in your tribe, so genetic diversity suffers. So you need chicks from other tribes. The tribes that go conquer other tribes and steal their chicks are more genetically diverse and do better, generally that the ones who don’t.
Thus warfare evolves.
That’s my theory and I’m sticking to it!

@Grisson

I’ll fully subscribe :)

Ugh Ugh… Where are the chicks?!

Eouuuurrrrrrrrrr…... different boobies…..... gooooooood!!!
Eouuuurrrrrrrrrr…... same boobies…........ baaaaaad!!!

@Grisson, this is exactly the situation regions of China are finding themselves in. Single child families, desirability of sons over daughters, female children adopted out. Too many males, not enough females.

@AlfredaPrufrock They clearly need to attack the next village. Ugh. Ugh.