Leveling mechanism

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Leveling mechanisms are cultural practices that promote social equality by discouraging pride or displays of status. They use shaming or Humbling to stop anyone from acting as if they are better than others.

A well-known example comes from the ǃKung of the Kalahari. When an ox was given as a Christmas gift, the ǃKung mocked the meat, joking that there was little real meat and that the gift was arrogant. They explained that if a young man boasts after killing a lot of meat, he may start to see himself as a chief and others as his servants. By belittling the gift and his pride, the community cools his heart and keeps him from becoming arrogant.

Leveling mechanisms appear in many cultures in different forms, but they share the same purpose: to maintain social equality and prevent pride from causing conflict.