Kohn, 1986 and 1992, “No Contest: The Case Against Competition”

Chapter 1: “The ‘Number One’ Obsession”.  American life is a succession of contests, so some people fail or lose so that others succeed or win.  There is “structural competition” (an external win/lose framework) and “intentional competition” (a competitive intention on the part of the individual).  A structurally competitive activity has “mutually exclusive goal attainment” (MEGA: a zero-sum game).  Competitive, cooperative, and independent modes are all possible.  In the competitive and cooperative cases, the success of participants is interlinked.  Structural cooperation requires coordinated effort “because I can succeed only if you succeed, and vice versa”.

“The case for competition… has been constructed on four central myths”.  (1) It’s human nature.  (2) It motivates our productivity.  (3) Contests are a good time.  (4) It builds character.

Chapter 2: “Is competition inevitable?”.

Chapter 3: “Is competition more productive?”.

Chapter 4: “Is competition more enjoyable?”.

Chapter 5: “Does competition build character?”.

Chapter 6: “Against each other”.

Chapter 7: “The logic of playing dirty”.

Chapter 8: “Women and competition”.

Chapter 9: “Beyond competition”.

Chapter 10: “Learning together”.
1. Competition promotes anxiety.  2. It contributes to extrinsic motivation.  3. Whether winning or losing, “luck or fixed ability” is often credited.  4.  The presumptive winner is often already known.  5.  Cooperation has emotional benefits.  6.  Academic work becomes a valued activity.  7.  It enhances student enthusiasm.