The Young Male Syndrome

Sexual selection theory suggests that willingness to par ticipate in risky or violent competitive interactions should be observed primarily in those age-sex classes that have experienced the most intense reproductive competition (fitness variance) during the species* evo lutionary history, and In those individuals whose present circumstances are predictive of reproductive failure. Homicidal conflicts in the city of Detroit in 1972 are reviewed in the light of the above perspective. Homicide in Detroit, as elsewhere, is overwhelmingly a male affair. Victim and offender populations are almost identical, with unemployed, unmarried, young men greatly overrepresented. The most common conflict typologies are described, and it is suggested that many, perhaps most, homicides concern status competition. Other manifestations of "taste for risk," such as daredevilry and gambling are briefly reviewed. The evi dence suggests that such a taste is primarily a masculine attribute, and is socially facilitated by the presence of peers in pursuit of the same goals. Such dangerous, competitive acts as the classic "triv ial altercation9' homicide often appear foolhardy to ob servers. However, it remains unknown whether the typ ical consequences of such acts are ultimately beneficial or detrimental to the perpetrators* interests.