Social Currency in the Wild: What Chimpanzees Teach Us About Building Better Relationships

We often think of grooming in chimpanzees as just a bonding moment or a matter of hygiene. But it’s so much more than that. Thanks to the work of primatologist Dr. Richard Wrangham and others, we now understand that grooming functions as a form of social currency in chimpanzee society. It’s how alliances are formed, tensions are reduced, and power is quietly negotiated.

This behavior isn’t random. Chimpanzees groom intentionally, often focusing on high-ranking individuals or key social allies. Lower-ranking chimps groom up the hierarchy, while dominant individuals groom to maintain influence. Sound familiar? It mirrors how we humans build trust: offering small acts of kindness, giving credit, or simply showing up when it matters.

Want to see this behavior in action and learn how to use these strategies yourself?

Watch the full YouTube video here

What Grooming Teaches Us About Human Relationships

We tend to think our social rituals like buying a coffee for a colleague, sending a thank-you note, or sharing encouragement are uniquely human. But chimpanzees have been practicing their own version of trust-building for thousands of years.

Research even shows that personality matters. A study by Jorg Massen and colleagues found that chimpanzees form friendships with others who share similar personality traits. Grooming not only builds alliances, it also reflects compatibility and emotional intelligence. And like us, chimpanzees use grooming to repair relationships, reduce stress, and prevent future conflict. These aren’t small gestures, they’re important strategic tools for cooperation.

3 Science-Backed Strategies to Strengthen Your Own Social Currency

Whether you're managing a team, building friendships, or just trying to be a better human, these strategies can help.

1. Reciprocity Through Shared Investment

Trust is built by showing up, sharing resources, and offering support consistently. In chimpanzees, grooming, coalition-building, and food sharing often happen outside of family lines. It's about mutual benefit.

2. Strategic Empathy & Consistent Communication

Strong relationships are grounded in emotional awareness. Just like high-ranking chimpanzees resolve conflict and provide reassurance, we build trust by staying calm under pressure and showing others we understand them.

3. Be Flexible. Be Reliable.

In the wild and in our lives, reputation matters. Chimps invest in those who consistently show up and adapt when needed. Strength isn’t always about dominance. Sometimes the most influential individual is the most steady, flexible, and trustworthy.

Want to explore these strategies in more depth?

Whether you’re a chimp or a human, one thing is clear: strong relationships aren’t born. They’re built. And those small moments of trust? That’s where real connection begins.

Watch the full video on YouTube for a deeper dive into chimpanzee social currency and how to use it in your own life. And if you haven’t yet, don’t miss my conversation with Dr. Richard Wrangham on the Wild Connection podcast.