Playtime Politics: The Rapidly Growing Mismatch Between Biology and Culture

Session Submission Type: Full Paper Panel

Session Description

Evolutionary psychologists have long argued that there is an ever-growing “mismatch” between human behavior that has been shaped primarily by biological evolution, and behavior that has been shaped by cultural evolution. That same idea holds true for political behavior. One of the more promising, yet often neglected areas of evolutionary political research is the study of the biological and cultural forces that shape the political regulation of childhood play. The fact that young humans, and other primates exhibit similar playtime bodily motions and activities suggests an evolutionary component. Yet, it also obvious, that there is a growing mismatch between our slowly evolving Pleistocene, hunter-gatherer brains and the rise of both dominant and political regimes that now shape the global human environment. This research panel will explore the evolutionary psychology and/or the evolutionary politics of childhood play. Panelists may document the various Post-AR spheres of influence that now shape childhood play, including technological evolution, economic evolution, and/or sociopolitical evolution; and the resulting mismatch. Panelists may also explore the developmental implications of this mismatch and/or suggest how contemporary political leaders might close (or at least reduce) that ever-expanding conflict.

Sub Unit

• Related Groups / Association for Politics and the Life Sciences

Individual Presentations

• Affordance Psychology and the Evolution of Playground Technology - Eliah James White, Northern Kentucky University

• The Growing Problem of Risk-Averse Childhood Playgrounds - David F Vanderburgh, Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation

• The Economics of Boredom: Risk-Averse Playgrounds and Indoor Play - Charles Kroncke, Mount St. Joseph University

• Ring Around the Rosy: The Biology and Culture of Childhood Games and Epidemics - Rachel Constance, Walsh University

Chair

• Steven A. Peterson Pennsylvania State University, Harrisburg

Discussant

• Ronald F. White Mount St. Joseph University