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Toward a more comprehensive theory of self-sacrificial violence

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 December 2018

Jordan Kiper  and
Richard Sosis
Jordan Kiper
Affiliation:
Department of Anthropology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095. [email protected]://www.jordankiper.com
Richard Sosis
Affiliation:
Department of Anthropology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269. [email protected]://richard-sosis.uconn.edu/
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Abstract

We argue that limiting the theory of extreme self-sacrifice to two determinants, namely, identity fusion and group threats, results in logical and conceptual difficulties. To strengthen Whitehouse's theory, we encourage a more holistic approach. In particular, we suggest that the theory include exogenous sociopolitical factors and constituents of the religious system as additional predictors of extreme self-sacrifice.

Type
Open Peer Commentary
Information
Behavioral and Brain Sciences , Volume 41 , 2018 , e206
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2018 

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