Author Description

Presents a theoretical approach to the analysis of social behavior that is rooted in evolutionary biology. The theory developed here is quite general, being applicable to any animal society, but the author applies it mainly to human societies. Includes: philosophical background; the theory of kin selection; cooperation and sharing among kin; the structure of relatedness; kin group subdivision and conflict; kinship and leadership; the structure of kinship terminologies; and prospects for a biologically based social science. Of use to behavioral ecologists working with nonhuman species, and anthropologists. Extensive bibliography