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Neural Basis of Preference for Human Social Hierarchy versus Egalitarianism
Author(s) -
Chiao Joan Y.,
Mathur Vani A.,
Harada Tokiko,
Lipke Trixie
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
annals of the new york academy of sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.712
H-Index - 248
eISSN - 1749-6632
pISSN - 0077-8923
DOI - 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2009.04508.x
Subject(s) - egalitarianism , psychology , dominance (genetics) , preference , dominance hierarchy , social preferences , hierarchy , social psychology , cognitive psychology , insula , politics , aggression , neuroscience , political science , biochemistry , chemistry , law , economics , gene , microeconomics
A fundamental way that individuals differ is in the degree to which they prefer social dominance hierarchy over egalitarianism as a guiding principle of societal structure, a phenomenon known as social dominance orientation . Here we show that preference for hierarchical rather than egalitarian social relations varies as a function of neural responses within left anterior insula and anterior cingulate cortices. Our findings provide novel evidence that preference for social dominance hierarchy is associated with neural functioning within brain regions that are associated with the ability to share and feel concern for the pain of others; this suggests a neurobiological basis for social and political attitudes. Implications of these findings for research on the social neuroscience of fairness, justice, and intergroup relations are discussed.