Human Sexual Differences in the Use of Social Ostracism as a Competitive Tactic

Abstract

An aspect of social systems that is similar between chimpanzees and humans is that males form larger groups than females do. Both chimpanzee and human studies suggest that large groups are costlier for females than for males, so females attempt to reduce group size. Social ostracism of female group members occurs in both species and may serve as a mechanism for group size reduction. We formed groups of female and male children to examine directly whether human females would be more likely than males to employ social ostracism. We asked 7 female and 7 male groups of 10-yr-old children to compose and perform a play about a topic of interest to them. Female groups engaged in social ostracism more than male groups did. Further, within female groups, cortisol levels remained higher for female perpetrators of social ostracism than for their victims, suggesting that social ostracism is costly. In contrast, more frequent 1:1 conflictual behavior occurred in male than in female groups, but cortisol was unrelated to frequencies of 1:1 conflicts. Our results support the theory that human females find groups aversive and seek to reduce their size via social ostracism. Coalitions minimize the risk of retaliation but may induce costs.

Female Reproductive Strategies and Competition in Apes: An Introduction

“…Further research on the origin and function of these relationships is needed to determine whether they are mere coincidences of space use or whether they are related to the use of overlapping core areas and the need to defend them. Three studies (Benenson et al 2008;Kahlenberg et al 2008;Pusey et al 2008) provide evidence that under conditions of increased competition, females form coalitions against other females, as Townsend et al (2007) described among the Budongo chimpanzees. While females in adjacent or overlapping foraging ranges may be in the most direct conflict, they may also be the most valuable allies in conflicts with third parties.…”

“…Human females also show tendencies to withdraw from group situations (Benenson and Heath, 2006), avoid direct competition when possible (Campbell 1999), maintain a small number of close friendships rather than wide social networks (Geary et al 2003), and target new-comers for social ostracism (Campbell, 2004). Benenson et al (2008) present striking research on sex differences in social interactions among children. When faced with a group task, young boys had a greater tendency to simulate or engage in one-on-one aggressive conflicts, while young girls consistently formed coalitions to ostracize one group member.…”

“…Benenson et al (2008) highlight parallels between research on female great apes and findings from human psychology. Human females also show tendencies to withdraw from group situations (Benenson and Heath, 2006), avoid direct competition when possible (Campbell 1999), maintain a small number of close friendships rather than wide social networks (Geary et al 2003), and target new-comers for social ostracism (Campbell, 2004).…”

The development of human female competition: allies and adversaries

“…Likewise, 8-to 12-year-old children nominated more girls than boys as using social exclusion and threats to end a friendship [166]. Finally, in a study of 10-year-old British children who competed to create a drama to win a monetary award, more female than male groups ganged up on a lone individual in their same-sex groups [167].…”

The Impact of Ostracism on Work Effort: A Comparison between Turkish and Azerbaijani Employees

“…al., 2002;Smith, Williams, 2004;Goodacre, Zadro, 2010;Karlen, Daniels, 2011;Kassner, et. al., 2012;Filipkowski, Smyth, ISSN 2162-3058 2016 2012), and some in groups composed of children (Benenson, et. al., 2008;Over, Carpenter, 2009;Masten, et.…”