Test posting: Aggression very rough draft

The behavioural phenomenon of aggression is an aspect of many social systems. It involves intentional behaviour to harm others of the same species who wish to avoid being harmed (Baumeister & Bushman, 2008). Studies of animals have indicated that aggression can play a fundamental role in the establishment of functional and productive ecosystems. The aggressive response is one of the most basic instincts which serve as a vital protective and defensive mechanism. Studies of white sea-bream show how their behaviour changes when subjected to different feeding conditions. When food is distributed in small amounts or clusters, aggressive behaviour increases thus acting to space out the population and prevent over crowding. Hierarchic systems are commonly settled through aggressive rituals where the largest animal with superior fighting ability accesses the prime resources (Castro & Santiago, 1998). This adds weight to the evolutionary perspective of survival of the fittest.

At the dawn of the 21st century, the western world places less emphasis on the use of hostile aggression. It is generally classed as antisocial and barbaric because as humans we have the intelligence to mediate conflicts without resorting to violence. Why is it then that war and genocide continue to result in the deaths of so many innocent people over the world? It is clear that aggressiveness makes up a fundamental part of the human psyche but what environmental triggers serve to produce a world of continued hostility? To answer these questions, one must delve into the nature of the impulse and the psychological factors which activate aggressive actions (Baumeister & Bushman, 2008).

Motives for aggression in humans vary significantly and radically affect the way such actions are perceived.