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Generosity among the Ik of Uganda
Cathryn Townsend1, Athena Aktipis2, Daniel Balliet3
1Department of Anthropology, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76798, USA.
Evolutionary Human Sciences
|August 17, 2023
Summary
The Ik of Uganda demonstrate resilient cooperative norms, contrary to earlier claims of inherent selfishness. Their culture supports sharing, especially when resources are available, challenging assumptions about human cooperation.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary biology
- Cultural anthropology
- Behavioral economics
Background:
- Contrasting views on human cooperation and the role of culture.
- Critique of Turnbull's 1972 ethnography on the Ik people of Uganda and their alleged culture of selfishness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine Ik culture and its influence on behavior using recent data.
- To reassess the Ik's cooperative tendencies and cultural norms.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of recently collected data on Ik behavior.
- Use of Dictator Games (framed and unframed) to measure economic cooperation.
- Examination of cultural traits related to sharing and punishment.
Main Results:
- Ik cooperation re-emerged with resource availability, refuting claims of inherent selfishness.
- Ik donations in unframed Dictator Games align with global averages.
- Framed Dictator Games, incorporating cultural norms of sharing and supernatural punishment, increased Ik donations.
Conclusions:
- Turnbull's claim of an inherently selfish Ik culture is rejected.
- Cooperative norms are resilient and adaptable.
- Human cooperation is robust and significantly supported by cultural factors.
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