mk30 on Nostr: Very interesting study in PNAS about how learning happens in hunter gatherer ...
Very interesting study in PNAS about how learning happens in hunter gatherer societies. Relevant because this is how humans lived for 99% of human history. Also relevant for anyone interested in fostering cultures where people are able to collaborate and live with the land:
"The broad informal learning network in hunter-gatherer societies is made possible by intimate living conditions. Small camps, usually consisting of 25-35 individuals living in homes a few feet from each other, create an environment where children can observe and interact with a wide range of people.
This allows them to learn essential skills, including caring for infants and cooking as well as hunting and gathering, through a process that is often subtle and nonverbal.
The study also highlights the importance of egalitarianism, respect for individual autonomy and extensive sharing in shaping how cultural knowledge is passed down among hunter gatherers. For example, children learn the importance of equality and autonomy by observing the behavior of adults and children around them.
They are not coerced into learning but are given the freedom to explore and practice skills on their own, fostering a deep understanding of their culture.
“This approach to learning contributes to what we call ‘cumulative culture’—the ability to build on existing knowledge and pass it down through generations,” Hewlett said."
https://neurosciencenews.com/culture-environment-learning-28078/
#Anthropology #culture #learning #Education #CulturalAnthropology
"The broad informal learning network in hunter-gatherer societies is made possible by intimate living conditions. Small camps, usually consisting of 25-35 individuals living in homes a few feet from each other, create an environment where children can observe and interact with a wide range of people.
This allows them to learn essential skills, including caring for infants and cooking as well as hunting and gathering, through a process that is often subtle and nonverbal.
The study also highlights the importance of egalitarianism, respect for individual autonomy and extensive sharing in shaping how cultural knowledge is passed down among hunter gatherers. For example, children learn the importance of equality and autonomy by observing the behavior of adults and children around them.
They are not coerced into learning but are given the freedom to explore and practice skills on their own, fostering a deep understanding of their culture.
“This approach to learning contributes to what we call ‘cumulative culture’—the ability to build on existing knowledge and pass it down through generations,” Hewlett said."
https://neurosciencenews.com/culture-environment-learning-28078/
#Anthropology #culture #learning #Education #CulturalAnthropology