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The functions of ritual in social groups

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  07 March 2016

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. watsonjones@austin.utexas.edu legare@austin.utexas.edu http://www.rachelwatsonjones.com http://www.cristinelegare.com
Cristine H. Legare
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712. watsonjones@austin.utexas.edu legare@austin.utexas.edu http://www.rachelwatsonjones.com http://www.cristinelegare.com
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Abstract

Ritual cognition builds upon social learning biases that may have become specialized for affiliation within social groups. The adaptive problems of group living required a means of identifying group members, ensuring commitment to the group, facilitating cooperation, and maintaining group cohesion. We discuss how ritual serves these social functions.

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Type
Open Peer Commentary
Information
Behavioral and Brain Sciences , Volume 39 , 2016 , e26
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Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2016 

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