The behavioural constellation of deprivation: Causes and consequences

Abstract

Socioeconomic differences in behaviour are pervasive and well documented, but their causes are not yet well understood. Here, we make the case that a cluster of behaviours is associated with lower socioeconomic status (SES), which we call "the behavioural constellation of deprivation." We propose that the relatively limited control associated with lower SES curtails the extent to which people can expect to realise deferred rewards, leading to more present-oriented behaviour in a range of domains. We illustrate this idea using the specific factor of extrinsic mortality risk, an important factor in evolutionary theoretical models. We emphasise the idea that the present-oriented behaviours of the constellation are a contextually appropriate response to structural and ecological factors rather than a pathology or a failure of willpower. We highlight some principles from evolutionary theoretical models that can deepen our understanding of how socioeconomic inequalities can become amplified and embedded. These principles are that (1) small initial disparities can lead to larger eventual inequalities, (2) feedback loops can embed early-life circumstances, (3) constraints can breed further constraints, and (4) feedback loops can operate over generations. We discuss some of the mechanisms by which SES may influence behaviour. We then review how the contextually appropriate response perspective that we have outlined fits with other findings about control and temporal discounting. Finally, we discuss the implications of this interpretation for research and policy.

Aggression and risk‐taking as adaptive implementations of fast life history strategy

“…The evolutionarily selected coupling of environmental conditions with fast–slow LH trade‐off strategies continues to respond to current environments (Pepper & Nettle, ) and regulate human behavior and development (Del Giudice & Belsky, ). Research showed that the early childhood environment is especially pivotal in activating fast–slow LH strategies (Belsky, Steinberg, & Draper, ).…”

The appropriate response of Spanish Gitanos: short-run orientation beyond current socio-economic status

“…However, under certain socio-ecological conditions, discounting the future can be a contextually appropriate response. To be more specific, developing a preference for the short-run may be fitness-maximizing in harsh and unpredictable environments (Becker & Mulligan, 1997;Daly & Wilson, 2005;Frankenhuis et al, 2016;Hill et al, 2008;Pepper, & Nettle, 2017).…”

“…When the future is uncertain or predictably harsh, therefore, the appropriate response might be to develop a short time horizon (Becker & Mulligan, 1997;Daly & Wilson, 2005;Pepper & Nettle, 2017) and to adopt strategies such as giving birth, as soon as possible, to the maximum number of offspring (Dickins et al, 2012;Johns et al, 2011;Nettle et al, 2011;Worthman, 2003).…”

Testing Evolutionary Hypotheses Regarding Individual Differences in Human Mating Strategies

“…Further adaptationist arguments have been made regarding exposure to unpredictable and uncontrollable environments and a corresponding shift towards present oriented behaviour (Pepper & Nettle, 2017). Specifically, Pepper and Nettle (2017) make the claim that lower socioeconomic environments also contain cues to external mortality risk (i.e., risk of death from external sources such as violence) which cause changes in psychology in order to motivate 'adaptive' short-term strategies (e.g.…”

“…Specifically, Pepper and Nettle (2017) make the claim that lower socioeconomic environments also contain cues to external mortality risk (i.e., risk of death from external sources such as violence) which cause changes in psychology in order to motivate 'adaptive' short-term strategies (e.g. earlier reproduction is adaptive in an environment where the future is uncertain).…”