MPC Member Publications

This database contains a listing of population studies publications written by MPC Members. Anyone can add a publication by an MPC student, faculty, or staff member to this database; new citations will be reviewed and approved by MPC administrators.

Full Citation

Title: Examining the biological bases of family law: lessons to be learned for the evolutionary analysis of law

Citation Type: Journal Article

Publication Year: 2006

ISSN: 1744-5523

DOI: 10.1017/S1744552306003053

Abstract: <div class="abstract" data-abstract-type="normal"><p>This article critically examines the insights that biology (including evolutionary analysis and neuroscience data) offers for understanding the relationship between family law and family stability. The paper initially considers evolutionary analysis, comparative anatomy, and neuroscience data to conclude that while the pair bond appears to be a universal feature of human societies, long-term fidelity is not. The second part of the paper considers the benefits and limitations of evolutionary analysis concluding, first, that evolutionary analysis, without connection to modern neuroscience or sociological data, remains highly speculative; second, that where the evolutionary analysis is borne out by modern neuroscience and/or sociological data, it is more persuasive, but often leads to obvious conclusions; and third, that undertaking this type of examination nonetheless leads to new insights or new questions that should prompt productive research.</p></div>

Url: http://www.journals.cambridge.org/abstract_S1744552306003053

User Submitted?: No

Authors: Carbone, June; Cahn, Naomi

Periodical (Full): International Journal of Law in Context

Issue: 03

Volume: 2

Pages: 277

Countries:

IPUMS NHGIS NAPP IHIS ATUS Terrapop