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Social comparison, social attractiveness and evolution: how might they be related?

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-16, 09:43 authored by Gilbert, P, Price, JS, Allan, S
Social comparison occurs in many forms of interaction. Despite a voluminous literature, the link between human and non-human forms of social comparison has rarely been made or explored. In this paper we consider the evolution of the competency to socially compare self with others and point to its long phylogenetic history. Special regard is given to intrasexual selection, competition for parental investment, and reciprocal exchange. The evolved competency to socially compare has been important in two separate and mutually incompatible forms of social competition, based on displays of either intimidation or attractiveness. This has resulted in two self-concepts which have been called resource-holding potential (RHP) and social attention-holding power (SAHP). These primitive self-concepts derived from social competition may have been stages on the phylogenetic pathway to human self-esteem. It is suggested that an evolutionary approach adds a new dimension to current theories of social comparison. © 1995.

History

Publication title

New Ideas in Psychology: International Journal of Innovative Theory in Psychology

Volume

13

Pagination

149-165

ISSN

0732-118X

Department/School

Tasmanian School of Medicine

Publisher

Pergamon-Elsevier Science Ltd

Place of publication

The Boulevard, Langford Lane, Kidlington, Oxford, England, Ox5 1Gb

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Other health not elsewhere classified

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