Evolution of cultural traits occurs at similar relative rates in different world regions.

ABSTRACT: A fundamental issue in understanding human diversity is whether or not there are regular patterns and processes involved in cultural change. Theoretical and mathematical models of cultural evolution have been developed and are increasingly being used and assessed in empirical analyses. Here, we test the hypothesis that the rates of change of features of human socio-cultural organization are governed by general rules. One prediction of this hypothesis is that different cultural traits will tend to evolve at similar relative rates in different world regions, despite the unique historical backgrounds of groups inhabiting these regions. We used phylogenetic comparative methods and systematic cross-cultural data to assess how different socio-cultural traits changed in (i) island southeast Asia

SUBMITTER: Currie TE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4213619 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature