Peer learning and cultural evolution

Lew-Levy, Sheina; Bos, Wouter van den; Corriveau, Kathleen H.; Dutra, Natalia Bezerra; Flynn, Emma G.; O'Sullivan, Eoin; Pope-Caldwell, Sarah; Rawlings, Bruce; Smolla, Marco; Xu, Jing; Wood, Lara

Abstract

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.

Citation

Lew-Levy, S., Bos, W. V. D., Corriveau, K. H., Dutra, N. B., Dutra, N., Flynn, E. G., …Wood, L. (2023). Peer learning and cultural evolution. Child Development Perspectives, 17, 97-105. https://doi.org/10.1111/cdep.12482

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Mar 2, 2023
• Online Publication Date: Mar 15, 2023
• Publication Date: 2023
• Deposit Date: Oct 17, 2022
• Publicly Available Date: May 16, 2023
• Journal: Child Development Perspectives
• Print ISSN: 1750-8592
• Electronic ISSN: 1750-8606
• Publisher: Wiley
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 17
• Pages: 97-105
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/cdep.12482
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1188621
• Related Public URLs: https://psyarxiv.com/gfs6p/