Chapter
The Need for Early Social Institutions to Restrict Growth in Group Sizes
33:04 - 49:37 (16:32)
As communities grow in size, social institutions such as men's clubs and religion's rituals are needed to create a sense of belonging and commitment, while also restricting violence through early legislation and cultural technology such as shame and guilt.
Clips
The growth of civilizations was confined to the narrow band of the Subtropical Zone, which lies just above the tropics, from 8000 years ago.
33:04 - 38:19 (05:14)
Summary
The growth of civilizations was confined to the narrow band of the Subtropical Zone, which lies just above the tropics, from 8000 years ago. They grew from small communities to small cities of about 5,000 people within this zone.
ChapterThe Need for Early Social Institutions to Restrict Growth in Group Sizes
Episode#604 - Robin Dunbar - The Evolutionary Story Of Human Friendship
PodcastModern Wisdom
As community sizes grew larger, early social institutions such as legislation and cultural technology helped to restrict violence.
38:19 - 44:31 (06:12)
Summary
As community sizes grew larger, early social institutions such as legislation and cultural technology helped to restrict violence. One example is the use of a “peace teepee” by American Plains Indians, where individuals involved in a brawl would come together and talk through their issues in front of the community.
ChapterThe Need for Early Social Institutions to Restrict Growth in Group Sizes
Episode#604 - Robin Dunbar - The Evolutionary Story Of Human Friendship
PodcastModern Wisdom
Rituals create a sense of commitment and belonging in a community, which enhances the effectiveness of rules and systems within the community, leading to better compliance with those systems.
44:31 - 49:37 (05:05)
Summary
Rituals create a sense of commitment and belonging in a community, which enhances the effectiveness of rules and systems within the community, leading to better compliance with those systems. This effect is stronger in small to medium-sized communities.