Overlord or underdog? Dr. Sergey Gavrilets has developed a mathematical model to explain the evolution of anti-bully sentiment, or “egalitarian drives” within groups. This anti-bully sentiment can result in bystanders taking sides against the bully, which, in turn, may cause the bully to back down.
In an exclusive interview with Decoded Science, Dr. Gavrilets, who works in both the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and the Department of Mathematics at the University of Tennessee, stated that he believes that “all social animals are hierarchical. Human hunter-gatherers are unique in their egalitarianism.” Gavrilet’s model furthers the understanding of the variables that encourage by-standers, or ”helpers” to assist owners of coveted items resist bullies.
Read more at Decoded Science.
