A Cross-Cultural Analysis of Hunter-Gatherer Social Learning

Social Learning and Innovation in Contemporary Hunter-Gatherers • Springer Japan • • Published In • Pages: 19-34 •
By Garfield, Zachary H., Garfield, Melissa J., Hewlett, Barry S.

Abstract

Social scientists are equivocal as to the importance of teaching (as contrasted with other forms of learning) in traditional societies. While many cultural anthropologists have downplayed the importance of teaching, cognitive psychologists often argue that teaching is a salient human universal. Here the authors investigate cultural transmission among 23 hunter-gatherer populations to explore the relative importance of teaching among foragers.

Note

Results are largely exploratory.

Samples

Sample Used Coded Data Comment
eHRAF World CulturesResearcher's Own

Hypotheses (10)

HypothesisSupported
Vertical and oblique transmission are the most common forms of cultural transmission among hunter-gatherers (26).Supported
Teaching accounts for the majority of cultural transmission among hunter gatherers across all domains (27).Supported
The teaching process of cultural transmission is most associated with childhood (29).Supported
Across domains of cultural transmission, religion, subsistence skills, miscellaneous skills, and ecology are male-biased (29).Supported
Males are more likely to acquire cultural information horizontally and obliquely than females (29).Supported
Males are more likely to teach than females (29).Supported
Observation and imitation occurs equally between males and females (29-30).Supported
Prestige biased oblique transmission will be widespread and important among hunter-gatherers (31).Not Supported
Early childhood and middle childhood is most associated with learning skills and knowledge related to subsistence (28).Supported
Adolescence is most associated with learning religious skills and beliefs than any other domain of learning (28).Supported
Documents and Hypotheses Filed By: erik.ringen