Altruism as a Signal of Status

Abstract

<p>From an evolutionary point of view, it is difficult to explain the existence of altruism that is not directed at kin or at friends. But humans demonstrate this form of altruism commonly, in such ways as donating to charity or heroically saving another's life. One explanation of these behaviours that is still consistent with evolutionary theory is the idea that altruism may function as a signal. Altruists gain a positive reputation through their deeds that may ultimately return to increase their biological fitness. Here I test this idea in a variety of ways, focusing on altruism as a signal of status. In the laboratory, I conducted an experiment where participants had the incentive to signal their personal wealth to others. In another experiment, I manipulated participants' relative status in an attempt to reduce costly conflict between participants. Outside the laboratory, I investigated the connection between heroism and reproductive success through a sample of WWI heroes. The background, methods, and conclusions of these studies are detailed within.</p>