Sex-related invariance across cultures in an online role-playing game

Article


Levene, Rebecca and Dickins, Thomas E. 2008. Sex-related invariance across cultures in an online role-playing game. Journal of Evolutionary Psychology. 6 (2), pp. 141-148.
AuthorsLevene, Rebecca and Dickins, Thomas E.
Abstract

This study examines the Social Dominance Orientation of players of the online roleplaying game World of Warcraft. The World of Warcraft offers an opportunity to investigate social dominance and biological sex differences in an environment where there is no cultural dominance of one sex over another. Social Dominance Orientation has been found to be different between males and females, with males scoring higher. However, this might be the consequence of social context. To this end sex differences between male and female players were investigated in the World of Warcraft environment, as well as the effects of chosen character sex. Player sex and character sex were found to have effects on Social Dominance Orientation. These results add further support to claims that Social Dominance Orientation has the characteristics of a sexually selected disposition to acquire resources and out-compete rival groups.

KeywordsSocial Dominance Orientation; sexual selection; sex differences; socialization
JournalJournal of Evolutionary Psychology
Journal citation6 (2), pp. 141-148
ISSN1789-2082
1589-7397
Year2008
Accepted author manuscript
License
CC BY-ND
Web address (URL)http://dx.doi.org/10.1556/JEP.2008.1010
http://hdl.handle.net/10552/575
Publication dates
PrintJun 2008
Publication process dates
Deposited10 Feb 2010
Additional information

Citation:
Levene, R. & Dickins, T.E. (2008) ‘Sex-related invariance across cultures in an online role-playing game.’ Journal of Evolutionary Psychology 6 (2) 141-148.

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Accepted author manuscript
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