In a recent article from PsyPost, it is suggested that dreaming may have evolved as a strategy for co-operative survival. The research compared dreams from forager communities in Africa to those from western societies and found that dreams play out differently across different socio-cultural environments. Dreams from forager communities were found to be rich in community-oriented content, reflecting the strong social bonds inherent in their societies. These dreams often began with threats but frequently concluded with resolutions involving social support, suggesting that dreams might play a crucial role in emotional regulation and transforming threats into manageable situations. While the ultimate purpose of dreaming is still a subject of ongoing research and debate, some theories propose that dreaming acts like a kind of virtual reality that helps individuals prepare for real-life challenges [63c8d4ed].
This new information adds another dimension to the discussion on the disappearance of the American dream. It highlights the potential role of dreaming in co-operative survival and emotional regulation, which could have implications for understanding societal dynamics and individual well-being. By exploring the content and patterns of dreams across different socio-cultural environments, researchers can gain insights into the ways in which dreams reflect and influence social bonds and responses to threats. Understanding the role of dreaming in co-operative survival may contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the factors that shape the American dream and the challenges faced by individuals and communities in pursuing it. It also raises questions about the potential impact of societal changes on the content and function of dreams, and whether the decline of the American dream has affected the nature of dreams experienced by individuals in contemporary society. Further research in this area could provide valuable insights into the complex interplay between culture, psychology, and social dynamics [63c8d4ed].