Cultural Transmission and Evolution: A Quantitative Approach

Cavalli-Sforza, L.L. and M.W. Feldman

ISBN 10: 0691082839 / ISBN 13: 9780691082837

Published by Princeton University Press, 1981

About this Item

1981. Natural History, Zoology, evolutionary studies. Monographs in Population Biology #16. Princeton University Press. Very good - near fine paperback 388p. 6/26.

Seller Inventory # 24070

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Cultural Transmission and Evolution: A Quantitative Approach
• Publisher: Princeton University Press
• Publication Date: 1981
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0691082839
• ISBN 13: 9780691082837
• Binding: Soft cover
• Condition: Near Fine

About this title

Synopsis

A number of scholars have found that concepts such as mutation, selection, and random drift, which emerged from the theory of biological evolution, may also explain evolutionary phenomena in other disciplines as well. Drawing on these concepts, Professors Cavalli-Sforza and Feldman classify and systematize the various modes of transmitting "culture" and explore their consequences for cultural evolution. In the process, they develop a mathematical theory of the non-genetic transmission of cultural traits that provides a framework for future investigations in quantitative social and anthropological science.



The authors use quantitative models that incorporate the various modes of transmission (for example, parent-child, peer-peer, and teacher-student), and evaluate data from sociology, archaeology, and epidemiology in terms of the models. They show that the various modes of transmission in conjunction with cultural and natural selection produce various rates of cultural evolution and various degrees of diversity within and between groups. The same framework can be used for explaining phenomena as apparently unrelated as linguistics, epidemics, social values and customs, and diffusion of innovations. The authors conclude that cultural transmission is an essential factor in the study of cultural change.

From the Back Cover

The authors use quantitative models that incorporate the various modes of transmission (for example, parent-child, peer-peer, and teacher-student), and evaluate data from sociology, archaeology, and epidemiology in terms of the models.