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Mechanisms by which parasites influence cultures, and why they matter

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  31 January 2012

Mark Schaller  and
Damian R. Murray
Mark Schaller
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada. [email protected]@psych.ubc.cahttp://neuron4.psych.ubc.ca/~schallerlab/
Damian R. Murray
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada. [email protected]@psych.ubc.cahttp://neuron4.psych.ubc.ca/~schallerlab/
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Abstract

At least four conceptually distinct mechanisms may mediate relations between parasite-stress and cultural outcomes: genetic evolution, developmental plasticity, neurocognitive flexibility, and cultural transmission. These mechanisms may operate independently or in conjunction with one another. Rigorous research on specific mediating mechanisms is required to more completely articulate implications of parasite stress on human psychology and human culture.

Type
Open Peer Commentary
Information
Behavioral and Brain Sciences , Volume 35 , Issue 2 , April 2012 , pp. 91 - 92
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2012

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