Children Quote by Terry Burnham
““Why do Yanomamö men risk killing another? Those who do and survive end up with more wives and more babies. In one extensive, long-term study, 137 men were Unokais and 243 were not. The Unokais had, on average, 1.63 wives (polygamy is legal) and 4.91 children. The non-Unokais averaged only 0.63 wives and 1.59 children.””
About This Quote
Source Study: Anthropological research on Yanomamö, 1990s
Risky behavior (killing) can increase reproductive success, showing evolutionary incentives.
In simple terms: Risk can boost status and reproduction.
Key Takeaway
Consider consequences of risky actions.
Themes
evolution
risk
reproduction
Mood
analytical
neutral
Type
academic
informative
When to use this quote
- Social dynamics
- resource competition
- population studies
Key Concepts
Game theory
anthropology
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do societies reward risky behavior?
- How does risk affect social status?
A Different Perspective
Ethical concerns about glorifying violence.
![“Polygamy was common [amongst the Navajo], but women had superior property rights, owning sheep and the houses. A man who deserted his family would be destitute -- a powerful incentive to stay married.” quote by Timothy Egan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/83e/timothy-egan-30685_property-rights_polygamy-was-common-amongst-the-navajo-b_2853006.jpg)
![“Koranic polygamy has also come to the United States. In November 2007, a Muslim woman sent a letter to Board of Directors of the Islamic Center of New England complaining that her husband “was able to marry illegally and secretly and without my knowledge three [A]merican [M]uslim women, and…” quote by Robert Spencer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f6e/robert-spencer-14900_board-of-directors_koranic-polygamy-has-also-come-to-the-un_2327487.jpg)
