Peer learning and cultural evolution

In this article, we integrate cultural evolutionary theory with empirical research from developmental psychology, cultural anthropology, and primatology to explore the role of peer learning in the development of complex instrumental skills and behavioral norms. We show that instrumental imitation, c...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Child development perspectives 2023-06, Vol.17 (2), p.97-105
Main Authors: Lew‐Levy, Sheina, Bos, Wouter, Corriveau, Kathleen, Dutra, Natália, Flynn, Emma, O'Sullivan, Eoin, Pope‐Caldwell, Sarah, Rawlings, Bruce, Smolla, Marco, Xu, Jing, Wood, Lara
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Behavior Standards
Child Behavior
Children
Cognition
Comparative analysis
Cooperation
Cross-cultural psychology
Cultural anthropology
Cultural change
cultural evolution
Cultural values
Developmental psychology
Developmental Stages
Evolutionary theories
Imitation
Learning
Motivation
Peer Influence
peer learning
Peer Teaching
Peers
Primates
Primatology
Skill Development
Social Behavior
social learning
Social motivation
Social networks
Student Characteristics
Student Needs
Teaching
Teaching Methods
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Summary:In this article, we integrate cultural evolutionary theory with empirical research from developmental psychology, cultural anthropology, and primatology to explore the role of peer learning in the development of complex instrumental skills and behavioral norms. We show that instrumental imitation, contingent teaching, generative collaboration, and selective copying contribute to domain‐specific transmission of knowledge between peers. Stages of development and characteristics inherent to the learner and model influence how and when children learn from each other. Peer learning is persistent across societies despite cultural beliefs that favor adult–child transmission in some settings. Comparative research hints at the possibility that children's greater motivation to interact with and learn from each other may set humans apart from other primates. We conclude by outlining avenues for future research, including how individual characteristics and developmental changes in social networks, motivation, and cognition may contribute to cultural evolution.
ISSN:1750-8592
1750-8606
DOI:10.1111/cdep.12482