Evolutionary origins of stigmatization: The functions of social exclusion.
Abstract
A reconceptualization of stigma is presented that changes the emphasis from the devaluation of an individual's identity to the process by which individuals who satisfy certain criteria come to be excluded from various kinds of social interactions. The authors propose that phenomena currently placed under the general rubric of stigma involve a set of distinct psychological systems designed by natural selection to solve specific problems associated with sociality. In particular, the authors suggest that human beings possess cognitive adaptations designed to cause them to avoid poor social exchange partners, join cooperative groups (for purposes of between-group competition and exploitation), and avoid contact with those who are differentially likely to carry communicable pathogens. The evolutionary view contributes to the current conceptualization of stigma by providing an account of the ultimate function of stigmatization and helping to explain its consensual nature.
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Stigmatization and prejudice resulting in marginalization and isolation, or ostracism and periods of quarantining, are adaptations for reducing contact with parasites present within the in-group.
“We agree with Freeland (1976) and Kurzban and Leary (2001) in predicting that stigmatization and prejudice resulting in marginalization and isolation, or ostracism and periods of quarantining, are adaptations for this purpose.”
From Parasite-stress promotes in-group assortative sociality: The cases of strong family ties and heightened religiosity (2012) · cites this paper as Kurzban and Leary (2001)
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- Authors
- Kurzban, R., & Leary, M. R.
- Affiliations
- University of Arizona (US)
- Venue
- Psychological Bulletin
- Published
- 2001-03
- Volume
- 127
- Issue
- 2
- Pages
- 187-208
- ISSN
- 0033-2909 (ISSN-L)
- 1939-1455
- OpenAlex
- W2023726302
- Cited by
- 1,424
- References
- 15
- Citations by year
- 2026: 35 · 2025: 51 · 2024: 51 · 2023: 70 · 2022: 76 · 2021: 116 · 2020: 112 · 2019: 71 · 2018: 69 · 2017: 99 · 2016: 70 · 2015: 66 · 2014: 82 · 2013: 62 · 2012: 85
- FWCI
- 61.86
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Psychological Bulletin (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › Social and Intergroup Psychology
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Death Anxiety and Social Exclusion
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Evolutionary Psychology and Human Behavior
- Keywords
- stigma, social exclusion, social exchange, cooperation, between-group competition, cognitive adaptation, sociality, natural selection
- MeSH terms
- Adaptation, Psychological, Biological Evolution, Humans, Interpersonal Relations, Social Behavior, Social Isolation
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