The social functions of shamanism.
Rachel E. Watson-Jones, Cristine H. Legare
Behav Brain Sci 2018 DOI: 10.1017/s0140525x17002199 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Shamanism |
| Citations | 7 |
| Key points | Proposes that shamanism increases social group cohesion, distinguishing it from other magico-religious practices. |
Abstract
Cultural evolutionary accounts of shamanism must explain the cross-cultural recurrence and variation in associated practices. We suggest that Singh's account of shamanism would be strengthened by considering the social functions of shamanism in groups. Shamanism increases social group cohesion, making it distinct from other magico-religious practices.