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The functions of ritual in social groups

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  07 March 2016

Rachel E. Watson-Jones
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712. watsonjones@austin.utexas.edulegare@austin.utexas.eduhttp://www.rachelwatsonjones.comhttp://www.cristinelegare.com
Cristine H. Legare
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712. watsonjones@austin.utexas.edulegare@austin.utexas.eduhttp://www.rachelwatsonjones.comhttp://www.cristinelegare.com

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.

Type
Open Peer Commentary
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2016 

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