Is oneupmanship hardwired into humans, or mostly a cultural thing?

[raccoon]

Having spent many years in the US working world, I'd be inclined to think so. It is one thing I find most tiresome about work. Although you see a lot of it outside of work, as well.

I don't think it's nearly so prevalent among the Inuit, at least it wasn't before they were exposed to Europeans.

Any thoughts?

[Fredda Weinberg]

1. I see it in myself - I can suppress it, but the response is there n/t

[baldguy]

2. Its hardwired into mammels.

Culture can can suppress it. Environment can alleviate its expression.

[Toucano]

3. I think it's been observed in other primates

so I think the tendency is there. It can be exacerbated by our culture, I think, too.

[Canuckistanian]

4. It all depends on the culture

In some cultures - Japan springs to mind - oneupmanship is practically a sin. Being too competitive, showing too much self-promotion and putting down rivals demonstrates extremely bad taste. "The nail that sticks up will be hammered down", is the expression that they use.

In cultures such as the Inuit, where cooperation is vital to the society as a whole, it's almost unheard of, at least where it concerns serious life and death issues. Play is another matter, however.

In America it's practically mandatory for the purposes of 'getting ahead'. You like to think you're a meritocracy, but extreme competition and loud self-promotion seems to be the way to succeed.

Evey culture has their own kind of oneupmanship, but some value cooperation and conciliation a lot more.

[bryant69]

5. doesn't meritocracy imply competition?

I don't see the conflict.

Bryant
Check it out --> http://politicalcomment.blogspot.com

[nuxvomica]

6. I think the wiring is there but it's expressed through culture

For example, in a culture that values cooperation, the more cooperative one-ups the less cooperative. Imagine a culture that holds humility as an important value. In that culture, folks might be stepping over each other to be the most humble. I don't think the basic drive is about dominance so much as social status.

[melody]

7. It's inherent to primates

Alphas always try to dominate. Part of the pack mind, I'm afraid.

[TechBear_Seattle]

8. Yes

It seems to be instintual among primates, part of a hardwired urge to be "alpha male." Culture can supress or enhance this urge, however.

[PDenton]

9. Americans are taught pride

... in destroying other people. It's like a pyramid scheme, you measure your self esteem in the number of people you beat to get somewhere.

[porphyrian]

10. Both, but to a varying degree in each individual. - n/t

[The2ndWheel]

11. It's one, then the other