Wenda R. Trevathan is an anthropologist and her work primarily focuses on human evolution and biocultural aspects of reproduction and childbirth. While she does not specifically propose a framework of primary, secondary, and tertiary intersubjectivity, these concepts are often associated with developmental psychology and social theory rather than anthropology. However, I can provide a general overview of these concepts:
Primary Intersubjectivity: This concept, often associated with infant development, refers to the earliest forms of shared experiences and communication between infants and their caregivers. It involves the mutual exchange of attention, emotion, and behavior, forming the foundation for later social and cognitive development. Primary intersubjectivity is characterized by the immediate, reciprocal, and spontaneous interactions that occur between infants and their caregivers, fostering emotional bonding and attachment.
Secondary Intersubjectivity: As children grow and develop, their capacity for intersubjective communication expands beyond dyadic interactions to include group dynamics and shared social experiences. Secondary intersubjectivity involves the ability to understand and participate in shared social contexts, such as joint attention, cooperative play, and collaborative problem-solving. It encompasses the shared understanding of social norms, roles, and cultural practices within a group or community.
Tertiary Intersubjectivity: This concept extends beyond individual interactions and group dynamics to encompass broader cultural and societal processes. Tertiary intersubjectivity involves the shared construction and negotiation of meaning within cultural frameworks and symbolic systems. It encompasses the transmission and exchange of cultural knowledge, beliefs, values, and practices across generations, shaping collective identity and social cohesion within a society.
While these concepts are not directly attributed to Wenda R. Trevathan's work, they draw upon theories of intersubjectivity and social development that are relevant to understanding human interaction and communication within cultural contexts.
