Intrinsic motivation is key to understanding peer cultures

Behavioral and Brain Sciences 2026

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Authors: Jérémy Perez, Maxime Derex, Pierre‐Yves Oudeyer, Clément Moulin-Frier
DOI: 10.1017/s0140525x25101805
Cited by: 0
References: 13

Abstract

The authors make an intriguing case that peer cultures could play a key role in cultural adaptation by generating qualitatively different cultural variation compared to adult cultures. However, the mechanisms responsible for this distinction remain unclear. We here discuss how accounting for the role of intrinsic motivation in shaping the content of peer cultures may help explain their evolutionary dynamics.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Language and cultural evolution Cultural Differences and Values Evolutionary Game Theory and Cooperation

Publication details

Journal / source
Behavioral and Brain Sciences
Publisher
Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Volume
49
Pages
e245–e245
Publication date
1 January 2026
Language
EN