The Nathaniel Cotton Talks

The last session in the Nathaniel Cotton series of talks on Anthropology and Psychiatry looked at the anthropology of play and the psychiatry of unrelenting standards

It can be argued that the anthropology of play and the psychiatry of unrelenting standards are two distinct but potentially intersecting fields of study—one rooted in cultural and social analysis, and the other in clinical psychology. Below is a summary of what we teased out  from each and how they might relate:

1. Anthropology of Play

Play is a universal human (and animal) behaviour studied in anthropology as a cultural, social, and developmental phenomenon. Key themes include:

• Evolution: the practice of survival – learnt from early years – hunting, fighting, preparing for competition and cooperation.

• Cross-cultural variations in play: Games, rituals, and leisure activities differ across societies, reflecting values, social structures, and child-rearing practices.

• Function of play: Play fosters creativity, social bonding, skill development, and cultural transmission (e.g., children’s role-playing as preparation for adulthood).

• Play and power: Competitive games can reinforce or challenge hierarchies (e.g., sports as a microcosm of societal conflict).

• Liminality and subversion: Play often exists in a "liminal" space where normal rules are suspended (e.g., carnivals, festivals), allowing for temporary freedom from social norms - for example drama.

Scholars like Johann Huizinga (Homo Ludens, 1938) argue that play is foundational to culture, while Gregory Bateson examines play as a form of metacommunication where actions carry symbolic meaning ("This is play").

2. Psychiatry of Unrelenting Standards

In clinical psychology, particularly in cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), "unrelenting standards" is a schema or maladaptive belief tied to perfectionism, excessive self-criticism, and burnout. Key aspects include:

• Cognitive schemas: In Jeffrey Young’s Schema Therapy, unrelenting standards manifest as a belief that one must meet extremely high expectations to avoid failure or criticism.

• Perfectionism: Linked to anxiety, depression, and OCD, where self-worth is contingent on achievement.

• Cultural influences: Societies emphasising productivity (e.g., "hustle culture") may exacerbate this schema.

• Work-play imbalance: When play is devalued or seen as unproductive, individuals may struggle with guilt over leisure, leading to chronic stress.

Intersections: Play as Antidote to Unrelenting Standards?

• Play as resistance to hyper-productivity: In societies that valorise constant achievement, play can be a form of resistance, allowing for spontaneity and intrinsic joy outside rigid standards.

• Therapeutic uses of play: Play therapy helps children (and adults) express emotions and reduce perfectionism. Anthropological insights could inform culturally adapted therapies.

• Cultural pressures: Some cultures may discourage play in favour of discipline (e.g., rigorous academic systems), potentially fostering unrelenting standards pathology.

Conclusion

While anthropology examines play as a cultural practice, psychiatry addresses the harms of unrelenting standards in mental health. Together, they suggest that reclaiming play—both individually and socially—could counterbalance the pathologies of perfectionism. Future research might explore how different cultural conceptions of play influence mental health outcomes related to achievement pressure.

Epilogue

Our series has come to an end. Its purpose was to raise funds for the renovation Cottons’ gravestones in St Peter’s churchyard. Thanks to you all, we have raised £1,157. We now wait for the final approval of the Diocese before Burgess Memorials carries out the renovations.

Can I take this opportunity to again thank Mark Dearnley, the Vicar and Carolyn Alexander, the Office Manager, for their unfailing support. A special thanks to my wonderful colleague Dr Florian Ruths, members of Conservation 50 and finally, once again, to all of you who donated to this worthy cause.