Games and enculturation: A cross-cultural analysis of cooperative goal structures in Austronesian games

PLoS ONE • Vol/Iss. 16(11) • Public Library of Science • • Published In • Pages: e0259746 •
By Leisterer-Peoples, Sarah M., Ross, Cody T., Greenhill, Simon J. , Hardecker, Susanne, Haun, Daniel B. M.

Abstract

Using data on 25 ethnolinguistic groups in the Austronesian language family, this study asks: does cooperation in games vary with socio-ecological differences across cultural groups? The authors suggest that cultural groups that cooperate in subsistence, tend to have intergroup conflict and less intragroup conflict, and are less socially stratified are more likely to play cooperative games compared to other groups. While the results support the first three hypotheses, there is insufficient data to support the fourth. The authors conclude that games serve as training ground for group norms and values.

Samples

Sample Used Coded Data Comment
Pulotu databaseOther researchersDatabase of Austronesian cultural data including religious beliefs and practices.
Austronesian Basic Vocabulary DatabaseOther researchersCross-linguistic database of the Pacific.
Gray et al. 2009 sampleOther researchersReconstruction of 400 Austronesian languages.
AustroGames DatabaseOther researchersProvides information on historical games played by cultural groups across the Austronesian language family.

Hypotheses (4)

HypothesisSupported
Cultural groups that cooperate in subsistence are more likely to play cooperative games compared to other groups.Partially Supported
Cultural groups that have intergroup conflict and warfare are more likely to play cooperative games compared to other groups.Supported
Cultural groups that have less social stratification are more likely to play cooperative games compared to other groups.Not Supported
Cultural groups that have intragroup conflict and warfare are less likely to play cooperative games compared to other groups.Supported
Documents and Hypotheses Filed By: isanaraja