The problems with Evolutionary Psychology…
Friday, November 24, 2023.
Evolutionary psychology raises fascinating questions about the universality of human behavior, and, as such, has uncomfortable lines of inquiry about what it means to be a human being.
I’ve tended to critique evolutionary psychology research from time to time. It has also faced criticism and skepticism from various corners of academia that I do not necessarily align with.
For what it’s worth, Here's a drones’ eye view of some of the discomforts I’ve noticed in myself when reading material from the emerging discipline of evolutionary psychology:
The problem of biological determinism
From the get go, I chafed at the primacy of biological determinism. I share the opinion that evolutionary psychology tends to oversimplify complex human behavior by attributing it solely to evolutionary adaptations.
This perspective may subordinate and marginalize the role of culture, individual and shared human experiences, as well as more localized environmental factors.
The problem of sociocultural factors:
Evolutionary psychology has a fascination with the universal, and sometimes neglects the significance of sociocultural factors on human behavior.
The abiding emphasis on the primacy of evolved mechanisms subordinates the discussion of cultural variability, and its power to shape behaviors, preferences, and especially social structures.
Lack of falsifiability:
If you want to be picky, you could argue that evolutionary psychology can be challenging to test and falsify empirically. In other words, evolutionary explanations for behavior are often by necessity, post hoc and, in some cases, difficult to subject to rigorous testing, leading to concerns about the scientific validity of the claims.
What I dislike about this line of criticism are the intellectual constraints. I like the boldness and fearlessness of evolutionary psychology, even as it pisses me off with an occasionally amoral assessment of mankind.
Preoccupation with universality:
Cross-cultural studies in evolutionary psychology have aimed to identify universal patterns in human behavior.
I share the opinion that evolutionary psychology tends to overemphasize universality and subordinates the diversity and richness of human cultures.
Human behavior is incredibly variable, and while not all behaviors can be explained by a single evolutionary framework, I admire the ambition of evolutionary psychology, nevertheless.
Subordination of developmental Influences:
Evolutionary psychology often focuses on adult behaviors and may neglect a fuller exploration of the developmental processes that shape these human behaviors across the developmental arc.
A preoccupation with evolved mechanisms may neglect a richer discussion of how the intricacy of individual experiences and socialization contribute to behavior.
Gender stereotypes:
Evolutionary psychology’s take on gender differences in mate preferences has been criticized for reinforcing traditional gender stereotypes.
Some argue that attributing certain behaviors solely to evolutionary adaptations may perpetuate harmful stereotypes and hinder efforts towards gender equality. That’s an intellectual swamp…
My gentle readers know that I’m particularly sensitive to how political values shape research. This is what I mean about the unflattering aspects of evolutionary psychology. Humans would prefer not to be called out on their sh*t.
Methodological issues:
Methodological issues abide in cross-cultural research, that’s the nature of the beast.
Interpretation data from different cultures can be incredibly challenging. The universality of certain behaviors may forever be called into question.
If we privilege political considerations by digging for the cultural biases in the methodologies used to collect and analyze data, like snorting out truffles, we’ll lose this discipline in a fog of academic pettiness.
Limited predictive power:
Of course evolutionary psychology lacks reliable predictive power. Not that doesn’t detract from it’s value as a way of perceiving mankind.
While it can offer retrospective explanations for observable behaviors, evolutionary psychology will probably find its place in unpacking modern behaviors with a novel frame of reference. It may struggle to make accurate predictions about future behaviors, or human responses to novel situations. But I’m confident that creative research design will bear new fruit.
Ethical concerns:
Evolutionary psychology, especially in its application to areas like mating strategies, has raised occasional ethical concerns. Critics argue that framing certain behaviors as "evolutionary" might inadvertently justify or normalize behaviors that are considered socially unacceptable or harmful.
This invites discussion about a post-evolutionary human model. For example, imagine a parallel universe where single mothers were deeply valued because they already came with healthy children.
What if we arrogate evolution for ourselves? What if we designed our own further evolution? This is an interesting place for philosophers to explore. How behaviors are framed can be of vital significance.
Final thoughts on an emerging discipline…
What I admire most about evolutionary psychology is that it asks important questions.
While this line of inquiry has significantly advanced our understanding of human behavior, and it is becoming particularly rich with new insights into better understanding jealousy, and other mating emotions.
I admire the manifest, sheer ambition of evolutionary psychology.
I expect that overtime, contributions from anthropology and neuroscience will further promote a more nuanced approach that recognizes the complex interplay of evolutionary, cultural, and individual factors in shaping human behavior.
As usual, I’ll be doing my best to follow the ongoing discussions within the research community.
The field of evolutionary psychology will continue to pursue new research, and incorporate a broader understanding of the complexities involved in human psychology and mating.
Be well, Stay kind, and Godspeed.
