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The Evolution of Caring and Nonaggressive Persons and Societies
Author(s) -
Staub Ervin
Publication year - 1988
Publication title -
journal of social issues
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.618
H-Index - 122
eISSN - 1540-4560
pISSN - 0022-4537
DOI - 10.1111/j.1540-4560.1988.tb02064.x
Subject(s) - hostility , reciprocity (cultural anthropology) , socialization , social psychology , devaluation , psychology , personality psychology , ingroups and outgroups , sociology , personality , exchange rate , economics , macroeconomics
This article explores ways to shape individual personalities, societies, and the relations among them, with the ultimate aim of diminishing inter group hostility and war. The evolution described in the article requires committed individuals and groups to work for change. Certain human proclivities, such as us‐them differentiation, the devaluation of outgroups, and stereotyping are sources of intergroup hostility. Socialization practices by parents and schools that promote positive connection to and caring about people are described, as well as ways to bring about their use. Parent training and family system diagnoses can impart awareness and skills and influence parental attitudes. On a societal level, institutions and culture can be shaped by creating systems of positive reciprocity among groups, by cross‐cutting relations among members of different groups, and by other steps along the continuum of benevolence.