http://popsych.org/why-does-stephen-hate-bob-more-than-his-wife/ The Internet's Best Evolutionary Psycholo-guy Wed, 03 Jan 2018 01:05:13 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.4.2 http://popsych.org/why-does-stephen-hate-bob-more-than-his-wife/#comment-454 Jesse Marczyk Sat, 26 Jan 2013 20:58:03 +0000 http://popsych.org/?p=1340#comment-454 I think you're right that the reputational benefits that Stephen could accrue through fighting off transgressors is another potential benefit that Stephen might accrue from going after Bob. One could probably make a similar case for his going after his wife as well, in that it might deter future relationship partners from defecting, though I feel such an argument would be substantially weaker. In fact, punishing his wife might well give him a reputation among other women that he might be a costlier relationship partner to have as well. Overall, then, my guess is that the reputational benefits are greater for attacking other males, relative to females. I think you’re right that the reputational benefits that Stephen could accrue through fighting off transgressors is another potential benefit that Stephen might accrue from going after Bob. One could probably make a similar case for his going after his wife as well, in that it might deter future relationship partners from defecting, though I feel such an argument would be substantially weaker. In fact, punishing his wife might well give him a reputation among other women that he might be a costlier relationship partner to have as well. Overall, then, my guess is that the reputational benefits are greater for attacking other males, relative to females.

]]> http://popsych.org/why-does-stephen-hate-bob-more-than-his-wife/#comment-453 Mihai Martoiu Ticu Sat, 26 Jan 2013 19:29:40 +0000 http://popsych.org/?p=1340#comment-453 There might be other explanations for killing Bob. Killing Bob proves that Stephen is stronger, and – women being attracted to the stronger male – Stephen’s wife would return to him. After all those instincts arose when people were living in small communities. The second reason for killing Bob might be deterrence to other males. If males know they risk something, they will avoid the mate of another male. Especially this might deter other males to rape a woman. There might be other explanations for killing Bob. Killing Bob proves that Stephen is stronger, and – women being attracted to the stronger male – Stephen’s wife would return to him. After all those instincts arose when people were living in small communities. The second reason for killing Bob might be deterrence to other males. If males know they risk something, they will avoid the mate of another male. Especially this might deter other males to rape a woman.

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