Evolutionary Psychologist Steve Stewart-Williams Challenges Learned Aggression Theory

Nottingham University Malaysia Campus Professor of Psychology, Steve Stewart-Williams, recently ignited discussion with a social media post asserting that aggression in children is an innate trait that individuals must learn to control, rather than a behavior acquired through experience. The evolutionary psychologist stated, "> We’re often told that aggression is something we learn. But the evidence suggests the opposite: that kids have to learn not to be aggressive." This perspective challenges the widely held belief that aggression is primarily a learned behavior.

Stewart-Williams, known for his work in evolutionary psychology and author of "The Ape That Understood the Universe," posits that human beings, particularly males, exhibit inherent aggressive tendencies rooted in evolutionary biology. His argument suggests that societal norms and upbringing serve to suppress these natural inclinations, guiding individuals towards non-aggressive conduct. This contrasts with the "Nurture Only" position, which attributes aggression solely to environmental factors.

Research in evolutionary psychology often points to cross-cultural data and early developmental observations to support claims of innate aggression. Studies indicate that sex differences in aggression, with males generally displaying higher levels, appear very early in life, often before significant socialization has occurred. This pattern is also observed across various primate species, suggesting a deeper biological origin.

Stewart-Williams has previously highlighted that males commit the vast majority of violent acts, including homicides, across almost all cultures. He argues that if aggression were purely a product of socialization, these consistent patterns across diverse societies and the early emergence of aggressive behaviors in childhood would be difficult to explain. The Nautilus article "article Nurture Alone Can’t Explain Male Aggression" further elaborates on these points, presenting evidence that biological factors play a significant role.

The implications of this viewpoint extend to how societies approach childhood development and conflict resolution. Understanding aggression as a potentially innate propensity, rather than solely a learned one, could reshape educational strategies and parenting approaches aimed at fostering peaceful behavior and self-regulation from an early age. This ongoing debate underscores the complex interplay between nature and nurture in shaping human behavior.