Jeffrey Winking

Jeffrey Winking is a Professor and Director of Graduate Studies in the Department of Anthropology at Texas A&M University. He holds a PhD from the University of New Mexico (2005). His research focuses on human evolutionary ecology, examining marriage, parenting, and prosocial behavior through an evolutionary lens. He has conducted fieldwork with the Tsimane of Bolivia and Mayangna/Miskito of Nicaragua, exploring topics such as marital dissolution, parental investment, and cross-cultural moral reasoning.

Key research interests include evolutionary roots of human behavior, particularly men’s roles in family dynamics, and the biological underpinnings of prosocial tendencies like cooperation. His work combines ethnographic methods with experimental approaches, challenging traditional laboratory paradigms. Recent studies examine utilitarian decision-making in indigenous populations and gender biases in academic settings.

Publications span evolutionary psychology, cultural anthropology, and experimental economics, with notable contributions to understanding family systems, altruism, and cross-cultural moral frameworks. He teaches courses on global cultures, social anthropology, and quantitative ethnographic methods.

While no formal awards are listed, his extensive fieldwork and interdisciplinary approach highlight significant contributions to anthropology. Advising and grant activities are integral to his role, though specific grants or student names are not detailed here.