In undeveloped social groups, we find very little formal…
“In undeveloped social groups, we find very little formal teaching and training. Savage groups mainly rely for instilling needed dispositions into the young upon the same sort of association which keeps adults loyal to their group. They have no special devices, material, or institutions for teaching save in connection with initiation ceremonies by which the youth are inducted into full social membership. For the most part, they depend upon children learning the customs of the adults, acquiring their emotional set and stock of ideas, by sharing in what the elders are doing.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
In primitive societies, learning occurs informally through participation and observation rather than structured instruction.
In simple terms: Learning happens by watching and doing, not formal lessons.
Key Takeaway
Observe and engage with community to acquire knowledge.
Themes
social learning
culture
informal education
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
anthropological
educational
When to use this quote
- childhood upbringing
- tribal rituals
- community work
- intergenerational knowledge transfer
Key Concepts
anthropology
socialization
cognitive development
Questions to Reflect On
- How does informal learning shape identity?
- What are limits of learning without formal curricula?
A Different Perspective
Informal methods may lack systematic coverage of complex skills.