What is reversal theory?

Reversal theory proposes that under conditions of scarcity or deprivation as in resource wars and genocide individuals often resort to behaviors normally held unacceptable such as homicide and looting which would in conditions of social security become unacceptable, thereby reversing cultural and moral taboos in order to achieve the individual's basic goal of physical survivability. The theory, however, has come under critique as to whether human behaviour in conditions of scarcity differs markedly from that found during conditions of peace, and whether scarcity necessarily provokes "reversal." This concept was first introduced by social theorist Neil Smelser.