Social evolution and the emergence of leadership

Abstract

Used a cross-generational procedure to examine E. R. Service's (1975) redistribution theory of social evolution. 432 university students participated. The procedure involved 3 4-person groups that produced different products that could be retained or traded and that could be eventually exchanged for money. One group was advantaged in the diversity of its products, the time it took to make the products, and the value of its products. All trade was channeled through this central group. At the end of each time period, 1 member of each group was removed ("deceased") and a new member added. The monetary results indicate that the central group made the most money but that all groups made more money across generations, partially due to increased trade and partially due to increased production. Consistent with Service's prediction, the central group was perceived by the "deceased" group members as the overall leader. Ratings by observers, ratings by "deceased" members, and the division of money at the end of each generation all indicated that each of the 3 groups developed a seniority rule for within-group leadership. Ratings by "deceased" members indicated that this rule was stronger for the central than for the peripheral groups. (39 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved). © 1980 American Psychological Association.