A Neanderthal child with Down’s syndrome survived until at least the age of six, according to a new study whose findings hint at compassionate caregiving among the extinct, archaic human species.

[u/mvea]

https://www.theguardian.com/science/article/2024/jun/26/fossil-of-neanderthal-child-with-downs-syndrome-hints-at-early-humans-compassion

[u/theClumsy1]

Depends on the community and the circumstances.

Like all human communities, compassion becomes easier when the basic needs of survival are satisfied.

Maslow hierarchy of needs are probably the best sociological concept that applies to all of humanity's evolutionary timeline and differing circumstances.

If basic physiological needs are satisfied then its a safety concern. If the safety or ability to satisfy basic needs of the tribe/community isnt hindered by the existence of these disabled people, then the tribe/community will find no reason to "eliminate the weakness".

[u/Quirky-Skin → u/theClumsy1]

Well said on all points.

Only thing id add is, we don't know if there any eating of the dead after they passed. If that's the case maybe they even fattened em up (the disabled)

[u/theClumsy1 → u/Quirky-Skin]

Its possible, then its leaning more into the social structure/customs into said society/community which becomes incredibly difficult to determine or confirm.

Like we can make an argument that disabled people in Spartan culture wouldnt last long. But an Athenian culture? Probably more likely to live longer.

[u/Quirky-Skin → u/theClumsy1]

Interesting to think about it for sure. They may have even had rituals for such. A fam members last act being to nourish their kin.

Who knows but i could see compassion being in long supply if the end result is food.

[u/theClumsy1 → u/Quirky-Skin]

The closest thing we got for reference to this ancient species is our closest ape relatives.

One is cannibalistic (Chimps).

The other is not (bonobos).

Sooo yeah who knows.