Abstract
It is claimed that certain processes of individual behaviour and of interaction between individuals run parallel. Such parallels are seen along three axes: antagonism-coordination, constriction-expansion and neutral-play-like.
Characteristics of ritualized behaviour and play are analysed and the two categories of behaviour are compared in detail. They are shown to differ largely in degree of expansion. They also differ along the antagonism-coordination axis. Both are play-like.
A theory comprising both ritualized behaviour and play is attempted. The concept of field interaction is introduced. The physical theory of elect ro-magnetism is used as a conceptual model.
Positive and problematic aspects of the theory are discussed: Is the behavioural field polarised or not? The relationship between aggression and play-like behaviour is considered, both as a motivational problem and in phylogenetic perspective. Some limits to the theory are indicated. Relationships of the theory to some other theories are briefly discussed.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Alonso, M. and Finn, E.J. (1978). Fundamentele natuurkunde 2. Amsterdam: Elsevier.
Altmann, S.A. (1962). Social behaviour of anthropoid primates: Analysis of recent concepts. In: E.L. Bliss (Ed.), The roots of behaviour. New York: Harper and Row.
Bateson, G.G. (1956). The message “this is play”. In: B. Schaffner (Ed.), Group processes. New York: Macy.
Beal, J.B. (1972). Methodology of pattern in awareness. Fields within fields within fields 5 (1), 42–48.
Blest, A.D. (1961). The concept of ritualisation. In: W.A. Thorpe and O.L. Zangwill (Eds.), Current problems in animal behaviour, 102–124. Cambridge University Press.
Delius, J. (1967). Displacement activities and arousal. Nature Lond. 214, 1259–1260.
Eibl-Eibesfeldt, I. (1967). Grundriss der vergleichenden Verhaltungsforschung. München: Piper.
Ewer, R.F. (1968). Ethology of mammals. London: Elek Science.
Fagen, R. (1981). Animal play behaviour. Oxford University Press.
Fentress, J.C. (1973). Specific and nonspecific factors in the causation of behaviour. In: P.P.G. Bateson and P.H. Klopfer (Eds.), Perspectives in ethology I, 155–224. New York and London: Plenum.
Garvey, C. (1977). Play. Glasgow: Fontana/Open Books.
Golani, I. (1976). Homeostatic motor processes in mammalian interactions: A choreography of display. In: P.P.G. Bateson and P.H. Klopfer (Eds.), Perspectives in ethology 2. New York: Plenum.
Grell, K.G. (1951). Die Paarungsreaktion von Stylonychia mytilus Müller. Zeitschr. f. Naturforschung 6, 45–47.
Groos, K. (1907). Die Spiele der Tiere, 2nd edition. Jena: Fischer.
Huizinga, J. (1974). Homo ludens; proeve ener bepaling van bet spel-element der cultuur. Groningen: Willink.
Huxley, J.S. (1914). The courtship habits of the great crested grebe (Podiceps cristatus). Proc. Zool. Soc. Lond. 1914 (2), 491–562.
Kortmulder, K. (1972). A comparative study in colour patterns and behaviour in seven Asiatic Barbus species. Behaviour suppl. 19.
Kortmulder, K. (1974). On ethology and human behaviour. Acta Biotheor. 23 (2), 55–78.
Kronig, R. (Ed.) (1951). Leerboek der natuurkunde. Amsterdam: Scheltema and Holkema.
Lancy, D.F. (1980). Play in species adaptation. Ann. Rev. Anthrop. 9, 471–495.
Lietaert Peerbolte, M. (1968). Psychocybernetica; een psychisch energetische inleiding. Amsterdam: de Bezige Bij.
Lietaert Peerbolte, M. (1975). Psychic energy in prenatal dynamics, parapsychology and peak-experiences. Katwijk: Servire.
Loizos, C. (1967). Play behaviour in higher primates: A review. In: D. Morris (Ed.), Primate ethology. Chicago: Aldine.
Manley, G.H. (1960). The swoop and soar performance of the black-headed gull (Larus ridibundus L). Ardea 48, 37–51.
Maslow, A.H. (1962). Toward a psychology of being. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold.
Meyer-Holzapfel, M. (1956a). Das Spiel bei Säugetiere. In: W. Kükenthal (Ed.), Handbuch der Zoologie 8 (10), 1–36.
Meyer-Holzapfel, M. (1956b). Über die Bereitschaft zu Spiel- and InstinktHandlungen. Zeitschr. f. Tierpsychol. 13, 442–462.
Miller, R.J. and D.D. Hall (1968). A quantitative description and analysis of courtship and reproductive behaviour in the anabantid fish Trichogaster Leeri (Bleeker). Behaviour 32, 85–149.
Morris, D. (1957). “Typical intensity” and its relation to the problem of ritualisation. Behaviour 11, 1–12.
Morris, D. (1958). The comparative ethology of grassfinches (Erythrurae) and Mannikins (Amadinae). Proc. Zool. Soc. Lond. 131, 389–439.
Muller-Schwarze, D. (1978). Play behaviour in Adélie Penguin fledglings. In: D. Muller-Schwarze (Ed.), Evolution of play behaviour. Stroudsburg: Dowden, Hutchinson and Ross.
Nelson, K. (1973). Does the holistic study of behaviour have a future? In: P.P.G. Bateson and P.H. Klopfer (Eds.), Perspectives in ethology I, 281–328. New York: Plenum.
Nijhoff F.W. and C.P. Koene (1966). Natuurkunde. Zwolle: Willink.
Snow, D.W. (1963). The display of the Blue-backed Manakin Chiroxiphia pareola in Tobago, W I. Zoologica. New York 48, 167–176.
Tinbergen, N. (1952). Derived activities: Their causation, biological significance, origin and emancipation during evolution. Quart. Rev. Biol. 27, 1–32.
Vargiu, J.G. (1972). A model of creative behaviour. Fields within fields within fields 5, 49–66.
White, J. (1972). The highest state of consciousness. Fields within fields within fields 5 (1), 67–73.
Wickler, W. (1961). Ökologie and Stammesgeschichte von Verhaltensweisen. Fortschr. d. Zool. 13, 303–365.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Kortmulder, K. Play-like behaviour: An essay in speculative ethology. Acta Biotheor 32, 145–166 (1983). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00047489
Received:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00047489