Homefun on Folk Games:
According to Brunvand, folk games are a form of structured
play, have an objective, have rules, have variability, and generally need
no special equipment or specific playing area. Institutional games, on
the other hand, are highly organized with codified rules, played in a regulation
area, and generally require special equipment. As a simplistic example,
consider how a folk game of "horse" is quite different than an institutional
NBA game. The rules and equipment in the folk game will certainly vary.
If there is no basketball, a volleyball will serve as a substitute. If
a shorter game is wanted, the players can simply change the rules to achieve
the goal. I have found that observing folk games, especially children's
games, can be most telling. It is always interesting to see how they select
who is "it," how they use the common verbal formulas (saying "uncle"
or "you're out"), and how they most often quickly establish agreed upon
rules. After reading the chapter on Folk Games, and visiting internet
links on the topic, you should have a basic understanding of the following:
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The differences between folk games and institutional
games.
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The differences between games of action, games with
objects, and mental games.
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What we might learn about people by studying their
folk games.
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Why children, adolescents, and adults might play
folk games.
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The remarkable stability of children's games (tag
and marbles can be traced back to ancient Greece)
