TY  - JOUR
PY  - 1986//
TI  - Sociobiology: A valid explanation of child abuse?
JO  - Biodemography and social biology
A1  - Umberson, Debra
SP  - 131
EP  - 137
VL  - 33
IS  - 1-2
N2  - Most explanations of child abuse among humans focus either on psychologic dysfunction of the perpetrator of abuse or environmental stress on the perpetrator. More recently, evolutionary theory and studies of infant abuse among nonhuman species have led to a sociobiological explanation of child abuse among humans. Advocates of this approach (Lenington, 1981; Daly and Wilson, 1981) suggest that abuse of offspring be viewed within the context of genetic relatedness and inclusive fitness. This report addresses the methodological and theoretical problems which arise when the sociobiological explanation of infant abuse is applied to humans. Suggestions are made to fill gaps in the sociobiological explanation, consequently allowing rudimentary tests of hypotheses.<p /> 
LA  - 
SN  - 1948-5565
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/19485565.1986.9988630
ID  - ref1
ER  -