How Do Hunter-Gatherer Children Learn Subsistence Skills?

Human Nature • Vol/Iss. 28 • Springer Nature • • Published In • Pages: 367-394 •
By Lew-Levy, Sheina, Reckin, Rachel, Lavi, Noa, Cristóbal-Azkarate, Jurgi, Ellis-Davies, Kate

Abstract

To understand transmission of knowledge and its impact on human evolution history, this study explores the research question: "How do hunter-gatherer children learn subsistence skills?". The authors use meta-ethnography methods on 34 cultures from five continents discussing these topics. The results show that the learning process starts early in infancy when their parents take them to the excursions. In middle childhood, they already acquired gathering skills. Only in the start of adolescence, adults begin teaching how to hunt and to produce complex tools. The learning process continues into adulthood.

Note

The hypotheses listed here are more accurately a description of the meta-ethnography results.

Samples

Sample Used Coded Data Comment
eHRAF World CulturesResearcher's ownHunter-gatherer societies with information on childhood, learning behavior and learning process.
Collected ethnographiesResearcher's ownPsycInfo, Springer, Wiley, ScienceDirect, and ProQuest were used to find ethnographies for hunter-gatherers.

Hypotheses (4)

HypothesisSupported
Hunter-gatherer children will start learning subsistence skills in early infancy.Claimed supported
Hunter-gatherer children will transition into the multi-age playgroup during middle childhood.Claimed supported
Hunter-gatherer children will become skillful food collectors by the end of middle childhood.Claimed supported
Hunter-gatherer children will begin their official training on complex skills during adolescence.Claimed supported
Documents and Hypotheses Filed By: stefania.becerralavado