text MR III

At the level of their miniature worlds, children engaging in these activities often adhered to strict social hierarchies. The possession of a coveted toy (a ball, a bicycle, or even the inflatable tube of a tire used to float on water for example) placed one at the apex of the social order. Those displaying exceptional speed, strength, or intellect also ascended the hierarchy. This enduring culture of competition ingrained in childhood experiences persists today, despite the evolution of games in the digital age, and still translates into our stratified societies.