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The social functions of shamanism

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 April 2018

Rachel E. Watson-Jones  and
Cristine H. Legare
Rachel E. Watson-Jones
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712. dr.rachel.watsonjones@gmail.com legare@austin.utexas.edu www.rachelwatsonjones.com www.cristinelegare.com
Cristine H. Legare
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712. dr.rachel.watsonjones@gmail.com legare@austin.utexas.edu www.rachelwatsonjones.com www.cristinelegare.com
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Abstract

Cultural evolutionary accounts of shamanism must explain the cross-cultural recurrence and variation in associated practices. We suggest that Singh's account of shamanism would be strengthened by considering the social functions of shamanism in groups. Shamanism increases social group cohesion, making it distinct from other magico-religious practices.

Information

Type
Open Peer Commentary
Information
Behavioral and Brain Sciences , Volume 41 , 2018 , e88
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2018 

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References

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