Myth as model: Group-level interpretive frameworks

Behav Brain Sci. 2025 Jan 2:47:e185. doi: 10.1017/S0140525X24000724.

Abstract

I argue that while recruitment might explain some of the design features of historical myths, origin myths in general more importantly provide shared narrative frameworks for aligning and coordinating members of a group. Furthermore, by providing in-group members with shared frameworks for interfacing with the world, the contents of myths likely facilitate the selection of belief systems at the group-level.

MeSH terms

  • Culture
  • Group Processes*
  • Humans
  • Models, Psychological
  • Mythology