Abstract
The chapter begins by noting our own cultural bias against imitation. Reasons why we imitate are discussed. The concept of social pattern building is presented and examples of imitation as unconscious are given. Creative aspects of imitation are stressed, and imitation is seen as a social glue while also contributing to intersubjectivity. Imitation is next seen as a cause of stereotyping. The neurological enablers of imitation are described next. Two cognitive abilities are identified that make imitation possible. Problems with matching our gestures with others are reviewed. The importance of the notion of affordance follows. Next, imitation mirror neurons and their positive effect on intersubjectivity are mentioned. The many brain supports for imitation are reviewed and implications for its importance for survival are mentioned.
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Franks, D.D. (2019). Imitation in Social Life and Its Brain Supports. In: Neurosociology: Fundamentals and Current Findings. SpringerBriefs in Sociology. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-024-1600-8_9
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-024-1600-8_9
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