What is altruism in the context of social behavior?

Altruism, in the context of social behavior, is characterized by actions that are disadvantageous to oneself but beneficial to others within the social group. This definition emphasizes selflessness, where an individual takes on a cost—be it time, resources, or risks—in order to help others. Altruistic behavior often enhances the survival or well-being of others, which can contribute to the overall cohesion and functionality of a social group.

In the realm of evolutionary biology and social psychology, altruism is viewed as a mechanism that can strengthen social bonds and encourage cooperative behavior among members of a group. By helping others at a personal cost, individuals can enhance their social reputation, and reciprocal altruism can lead to mutual benefits in future interactions.

This perspective aligns with concepts in inclusive fitness, where helping relatives can also help propagate shared genes. Hence, altruistic behavior, although it may seem disadvantageous from an individualistic standpoint, can be beneficial for the group’s success and cohesion, which, in turn, can have long-term advantages for the altruistic individual indirectly through indirect reciprocity or group selection strategies.

The other options do not accurately capture the essence of altruism. Prioritizing individual benefit directly contradicts altruistic behavior. Optimization of foraging efficiency refers