Games in culture

American Anthropologist • Vol/Iss. 61 • Published In • Pages: 597-605 •
By Roberts, John M., Arth, Malcolm J., Bush, Robert R.

Abstract

This article examines the relationships between game types (physical, strategy, and chance) and social, religious, and geographic variables. Hypotheses are supported.

Samples

Sample Used Coded Data Comment
Ethnographic Reports
compendium of coded data

Hypotheses (4)

HypothesisSupported
"[There is a] relationship between games of strategy and social complexity . . ." (601)Supported
"Games of chance will occur in societies [where the gods are regarded as] high in benevolence, low in aggression [and can be] coerced" (602)Supported
"There . . . appears to be a relationship between the presence or absence of games of chance and the number of games of physical skill. Societies having 5 or more games of physical skill frequently have games of chance" (604)Supported
"There was also a relationship between geographical location and the number of games of physical skill in a society. . . . Tribes living within 20 degrees latitude of the equator [tend to have] fewer than 5 games of physical skill" (604)Supported
Documents and Hypotheses Filed By: mas  Megan Farrer