ABSTRACT
In this chapter I give an overview of how evolutionary theory has impacted the study of children’s play. There have been distinct ups and downs in this influence since evolutionary theory originated, and I start with a historical account of this. I also mention the play ethos that influenced much research in the 20th century. I delineate what I regard as four important characteristics of an evolutionary approach, useful at the present time. I then discuss the relevance of such an approach to the main forms of playphysical activity and rough-and-tumble play, object play, and pretend and sociodramatic play. I take the opportunity to cross-refer to the following chapters by Mitchell (chap. 3, this volume), and Pellegrini (chap. 4, this volume), where appropriate. I end with a brief discussion of genetic and cultural evolution and of future directions in this field.
