13 - Summary of the general line of argument and its implications

Summary

Organization of the chapter

This chapter outlines the general perspective on human territorial functioning developed in the volume. The first portion examines how territorial functioning “fits” into an evolutionary framework, and the implications of that framework. Then, examining certain implications in more depth, the associations between physical environment and territorial functioning, and between social environment and territorial functioning, are reviewed. In both cases these connections, albeit amply evident across the full range of the centrality continuum, are variable or contingent. Finally, the outcomes associated with territorial functioning are reconsidered.

What does it mean to work within an evolutionary framework?

From the outset, I have argued for the importance of viewing territorial functioning through the lens of evolutionary theories. Such a footing is important for two reasons. First, by considering human territorial functioning in the context of other species, important “baseline” information is provided. Similarities can be pinpointed. If such parallels turn out to be based on homology they focus us on generally adaptive behavior patterns. Second, a wider stance for grappling with territorial functioning is particularly important for this area of work because strong misconceptions and misleading analogies have abounded. An evolutionary vantage point provides a broad enough footing to set the record straight.

What does it mean to work within an evolutionary framework? Given the scope of this volume, there are three elements. First, it means considering human behavior in the context of the behavior of other species and, as a corollary, using explanatory mechanisms that are similar for the different species.