Reproductive Inequality in Humans Compared to Other Mammals
A study involving 100 researchers from various global institutions has suggested that humans are not as unique or egalitarian in their societal behaviors as often believed. The study compared data from 90 human populations to lifetime data for 45 different nonhuman, free-ranging mammals and found that humans resemble mammals living in monogamous partnerships and cooperative breeders. The researchers also found that monogamy can cause significant inequalities among women, while polygynous societies tend to have greater reproductive egalitarianism. The study challenges the notion of human exceptionalism in societal behaviors.