Cooperation and Commune Longevity: A Test of the Costly Signaling Theory of Religion
Author(s)
Sosis, Richard; Bressler, Eric R.
Abstract
The theory of religion posits that religious rituals and taboos can promote intragroup cooperation is discussed which is argued to be the primary adaptive benefit of religion. The theory was tested using the historical data on the constraints and ritual requirements that eighty-three 19th-century U.S communes imposed on their members.
