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Form and function in religious signaling under pathogen stress
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 31 January 2012
Abstract
The evolution of religious traditions may be partially explained by out-group avoidance due to pathogen stress. However, many religious rituals may increase rather than decrease performers' susceptibility to infection. Moreover, religions often spread through proselytizing, which requires out-group interaction; and in other cases, the benefits of economic exchange increase religious pluralism and social interactions with out-groups.
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- Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2012
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Form and function in religious signaling under pathogen stress
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