29. Evolutionary Approaches to Population Health

Abstract

An evolutionary perspective offers remarkable insight into the roots and current drivers of human behavioral diversity, not least with regard to the study of demographic and population health phenomena. It also holds considerable, yet largely untapped, potential to inform the actions and priorities of international development sector. In this chapter, we contrast the ways in which questions of human diversity and wellbeing are approached by evolutionary behavioral scientists and population health scholars, and highlight exemplary evolutionary research addressing applied topics of contemporary policy relevance. We concentrate on three case studies: polygynous marriage, early or ‘child marriage’, and female genital mutilation/cutting. Each of these behaviors is now targeted by global efforts to achieve gender equality and promote female wellbeing. However, policy aiming to change behavior remains poorly informed by an understanding of why such ostensibly harmful behaviors occur. Here, we outline rival theoretical models, their supporting evidence, and potential implications. In an effort to encourage dialogue between evolutionary scientists working on population health issues and the international development sector we also consider the challenges of doing applied research, including how best to navigate disciplinary boundaries and engaging with, and influencing, policy-makers, stakeholders and the general public.