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Ethnic nationalism, evolutionary psychology and Genetic Similarity Theory *
Author(s) -
Rushton J. Philippe
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
nations and nationalism
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.655
H-Index - 44
eISSN - 1469-8129
pISSN - 1354-5078
DOI - 10.1111/j.1469-8129.2005.00216.x
Subject(s) - altruism (biology) , evolutionary psychology , ethnic group , similarity (geometry) , kin selection , xenophobia , prosocial behavior , genetic similarity , social psychology , sociology , psychology , racism , population , anthropology , gender studies , demography , artificial intelligence , computer science , genetic diversity , image (mathematics)
. Genetic Similarity Theory extends Anthony D. Smith's theory of ethno‐symbolism by anchoring ethnic nepotism in the evolutionary psychology of altruism. Altruism toward kin and similar others evolved in order to help replicate shared genes. Since ethnic groups are repositories of shared genes, xenophobia is the ‘dark side’ of human altruism. A review of the literature demonstrates the pull of genetic similarity in dyads such as marriage partners and friendships, and even large groups, both national and international. The evidence that genes incline people to prefer others who are genetically similar to themselves comes from studies of social assortment, differential heritabilities, the comparison of identical and fraternal twins, blood tests, and family bereavements. DNA sequencing studies confirm some origin myths and disconfirm others; they also show that in comparison to the total genetic variance around the world, random co‐ethnics are related to each other on the order of first cousins.