Evolution of the Human Family: Cooperative Males, Long Social Childhoods, Smart Mothers, and Extended Kin Networks

Mark V. Flinn; Robert J. Quinlan; Kathryn Coe; Carol V. Ward

doi:10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195320510.003.0002

Evolution of the Human Family: Cooperative Males, Long Social Childhoods, Smart Mothers, and Extended Kin Networks

Mark V. Flinn, Robert J. Quinlan, Kathryn Coe, Carol V. Ward

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter

32 Scopus citations

Abstract

Humans are characterized by a distinctive set of traits, including: (1) large brains, (2) long periods of juvenile dependence, (3) extensive biparental care including large transfers of information, (4) multi-generational bi-lateral kin networks, (5) habitual bipedal locomotion, (6) use of the upper limbs for tool use including projectile weapons, (7) concealed or "cryptic" ovulation, (8) menopause, (9) culture including language, and (10) lethal competition among kin-based coalitions. The evolution and co-evolution of this suite of traits presents several evolutionary questions or puzzles that are central to understanding the human family. This chapter describes these puzzles, and suggests a resolution based on the importance of social competition during human evolution. It also considers the developmental issue of how the family social environment may affect the timing of reproductive maturation and how this timing is essential to an understanding of the family.

Original language	English (US)
Title of host publication	Family Relationships
Subtitle of host publication	An Evolutionary Perspective
Publisher	Oxford University Press
ISBN (Electronic)	9780199786800
ISBN (Print)	9780195320510
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195320510.003.0002
State	Published - Sep 1 2007

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Keywords

Biparental care
Concealed ovulation
Kin networks
Reproductive maturation
Social competition

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Psychology(all)

Cite this

Flinn, M. V., Quinlan, R. J., Coe, K., & Ward, C. V. (2007). Evolution of the Human Family: Cooperative Males, Long Social Childhoods, Smart Mothers, and Extended Kin Networks. In Family Relationships: An Evolutionary Perspective Oxford University Press. https://doi.org/10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195320510.003.0002

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Access to Document

10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195320510.003.0002