Social traditions

Social traditions, here defined as displaying inter-group behavioural differences acquired through social learning, have been identified in a number of primate species. Here we review research methods used in the wild and in captivity to identify the presence of both primate social traditions and the necessary social learning mechanisms involved. Moving beyond evidence of the presence of primate social traditions, to their function, longevity, biased transmission, conformity and cumulative nature, allows for the exploration of convergences and divergences between primate and human traditions.