Risk buffering and resource access shape valuation of out-group strangers.

ABSTRACT: Unlike other primates, humans exhibit extensive inter-group tolerance and frequently build relationships with out-group members. Despite its common occurrence, little is known about the conditions leading to out-group relationship building in humans. What are the social and ecological factors promoting valuation of out-group members as potential social partners? Do they differ from those promoting valuation of in-group members? We propose that opportunities for non-local resource access and resource buffering, crucial in the human foraging niche, will increase valuation of out-group strangers. Using survey and experimental data collected among three Bolivian horticultural populations, we find that individuals with fewer non-locally available resources and more information about out-groups

SUBMITTER: Pisor AC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4965756 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature