Citation

Umberson D. Biodemography Soc. Biol. 1986; 33(1-2): 131-137.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1986, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/19485565.1986.9988630

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Most explanations of child abuse among humans focus either on psychologic dysfunction of the perpetrator of abuse or environmental stress on the perpetrator. More recently, evolutionary theory and studies of infant abuse among nonhuman species have led to a sociobiological explanation of child abuse among humans. Advocates of this approach (Lenington, 1981; Daly and Wilson, 1981) suggest that abuse of offspring be viewed within the context of genetic relatedness and inclusive fitness. This report addresses the methodological and theoretical problems which arise when the sociobiological explanation of infant abuse is applied to humans. Suggestions are made to fill gaps in the sociobiological explanation, consequently allowing rudimentary tests of hypotheses.