The Political Ape

Abstract

This chapter describes social-coercion theory as conceptualized by Paul Bingham and Joanne Souza. This theory, which pertains to the evolution of human uniqueness, helps us understand how humans evolved to coordinate social activities in small non–kin-based groups. The tendency of humans to form such coordinated alliances is a foundational part of our evolutionary history that sets us apart from other apes in important ways. Further, this theory can help us understand the emergence of democracy and egalitarianism as basic aspects of the human social world. Understanding the principles that underlie this theory can help us understand factors associated with positive functioning in human communities.