Social scientists build case for 'survival of the kindest'

Social scientists build case for 'survival of the kindest'

This article states that animals who treat each other kindly and more compassionately usually far better as both individuals and as a species. But what if we also decided to apply this to human beings, where the levels of kindness and equality are postively correlated with how well a nation does both socially and economically.

We all know that the nations that fare better economically are also the ones who treat their people in the best possible way.

Using heavy metal fans (and other 'alternatives' like punks, goths, and emos) as an example, as well as women, the elderly or disabled, I have a theory that those nations that treat these groups (or any other disadvantaged group) well often do better economically.

For instance, the rates of violence against women are much lower in developed nations like Sweden or Norway, than they are in third world nations. Also, heavy metal is more popular in these nations and there is less discrimination and harassment of these peoples. And third, nations like this also have very good welfare states.

By contrast, countries and regions where the harassment of heavy metal fans is greater, there is also a greater harassement of women and other minorities, and these countries and regions are very poor. And there is very little, if any, social welfare programes present.

So, this is a 'chicken or egg' situation, a matter of 'cause and effect': Which is the cause and which is the effect? Does poverty leads to the discrimination against women and other 'minorities' (including heavy metal fans)? Or does discrimination against women and other disadvantaged groups lead to poverty?

So, if the 1st hypothesis is correct, then we should fix the economies of particular nations and regions, and then the rest would follow.

Alternatively, if the 2nd hypothesis is true, then we should empower these disadvantaged groups through organizations like World Vision, Unicef, Amnesty International or Community Aid Abroad; as well as through the tax system and policies which enable everyone to be treated humanely. That way, these people will help lift their economies out of the 'dark ages' and poverty.

And, the degree to which the government helps its peoples through the welfare state and tax system would be a major moderating factor.

Anyone reading this post: feel free to comment. Argue for, or against this 'hypothesis'.