Projection and displacement: a cross-cultural study of folktale aggression

Cross-Cultural Studies • Published In • Pages: 348-360 •
By Wright, G. O.

Abstract

This study examines aggression in folktales in relation to child socialization variables. The author suggests that punishment for aggression and aggression anxiety are related to how aggression is portrayed in folktales. Hypotheses are supported.

Samples

Sample Used Coded Data Comment
OtherOther ResearchersWhiting and Child (1953)
Ethnographic Reports

Hypotheses (4)

HypothesisSupported
"Objects of displaced aggression are chosen farther and farther out on the generalization continuum as a function of the amount of aggression anxiety" (352)Supported
"Agents of projected aggression [in folktales] are chosen farther and farther out on the generalization continuum as a function of the amount of aggression anxiety" (355)Supported
"Punishment for aggression increases the intensity of aggression in situations which are distinctly dissimilar from those in which the punishment occurs" (357)Supported
"The Hero should triumph less often in folk tales of societies in which the child training practices include severe punishment for aggression" (359)Supported
Documents and Hypotheses Filed By: mas  Megan Farrer