Group Dynamics Seminar Series

The Group Dynamics Seminar series is considered one of the longest running seminar series in the social sciences. It has been running uninterruptedly since it was founded by Kurt Lewin in the 1920’s in Berlin. A very important feature of this seminar today is its interdisciplinary nature. Recent seminars have included discussions in “Law and Psychology,” “Racism and Discrimination,” “Social Media,” and “New Directions in Social Psychology.”

The Winter 2024 Series is co-sponsored by the Evolution and Human Adaptation Program (EHAP) at the University of Michigan.

Evolution and Human Behavior

What can wasps teach us about the evolution of animal minds? How does indirect reciprocity shape cooperation in human groups?  Why are people vulnerable to obesity– especially in marginalized groups?  This seminar series will address these questions, and more, from the perspective of evolutionary theory.  The approach will draw on behavioral ecology, which views adaptive behavior as responsive to ecological variation.  The speakers, from anthropology and other fields, are known for the depth of their long-term field studies in Kenya, Mali, Bangladesh, the United States, Dominica, Bolivia, the Pacific Islands, and other locales. Join us Mondays to hear from world experts on evolution and human behavior.

 

Evolution and Human Behavior: Mondays at 2 at ISR Thompson 1430

Organized by Beverly Strassmann.
These events are typically held Mondays from 2 to 3:30. Check the listings for details!
In person: ISR Thompson 1430
As permissions allow, seminars are later posted to our YouTube playlist.
Photo by Mark Flinn, used gratefully with permission.

Elizabeth Tibbetts

Elizabeth Tibbetts

University of Michigan
What Wasps Can Teach Us About The Evolution of Animal Minds
Jan. 29, 2024, 2 to 3:30 PM

Matt Dean

Matt Dean

University of Southern California
Sexual selection in humans and other mammals
Feb. 5, 2024, 2 to 3:30 PM

Tina Lasisi

Tina Lasisi

University of Michigan
Tracing Evolutionary Paths: The Role of Hair and Skin Phenotyping
Feb. 12, 2024, 2 to 3:30 PM

Maxwell Lemkau

Maxwell Lemkau

University of Michigan
Religious Conversion in the Dogon of Mali
Feb. 19, 2024, 2 to 3:30 PM

Sarah Mathew

Sarah Mathew

Arizona State University
How Cultural Norms Structure the Evolution of Human Behavior and Psychology
March 4, 2024, 2 to 3:30 PM

Katie Starkweather

Katie Starkweather

University of Illinois, Chicago
Biological Impacts of Climate Change and Women’s Livelihoods Among Bangladeshi Shodagor Communities
March 11, 2024, 2 to 3:30 PM

Jianzhi (George) Zhang

Jianzhi (George) Zhang

University of Michigan
Toward Resolving the Darwinian Paradox of Same-Sex Sexual Behavior
March 18, 2024, 2 to 3:30 PM

Lee Cronk

Lee Cronk

Rutgers University
Design Principles for Risk-Pooling Systems
March 25, 2024, 2 to 3:30 PM

Mark Flinn

Mark Flinn

University of Missouri
Runaway Social Selection in Human Evolution
April 1, 2024, 2 to 3:30 PM

Michael Gurven

Michael Gurven

UC Santa Barbara
A Seven Decade Lifespan? Variations on an Evolutionary Theme
April 8, 2024, 2 to 3:30 pm

Sela Panapasa

Sela Panapasa

University of Michigan
Social Behaviors Evolve Faster than Humans Do: The Case of Pacific Populations
April 15, 2024, 2 to 3:30