Definition

Cultural Evolution refers to the change and transmission of cultural information—such as beliefs, practices, technologies, and social norms—within and across generations. Unlike biological evolution, which is driven by genetic inheritance, cultural evolution is shaped by learning, imitation, innovation, and communication.

Key Concepts

1. Mechanisms of Transmission

  • Vertical Transmission: From parents to offspring.
  • Horizontal Transmission: Between individuals of the same generation.
  • Oblique Transmission: From older non-parental individuals to younger individuals.

2. Units of Culture

  • Memes: Analogous to genes, memes are units of cultural information (e.g., ideas, rituals, symbols).
  • Artifacts: Physical objects that embody cultural knowledge (e.g., tools, art).

3. Processes

  • Variation: New cultural traits arise via innovation or error.
  • Selection: Some traits become more common due to advantages or popularity.
  • Inheritance: Traits are passed through learning or imitation.

Diagram: Cultural Evolution Process

Cultural Evolution Process

Theoretical Models

Dual Inheritance Theory

  • Proposes that human behavior is shaped by both genetic and cultural inheritance.
  • Culture can evolve much faster than genes, allowing rapid adaptation.

Cultural Drift

  • Random changes in cultural traits, analogous to genetic drift in biology.

Cultural Group Selection

  • Groups with beneficial cultural traits outcompete others, leading to trait spread.

Recent Breakthroughs

1. Computational Modeling

  • Advanced simulations now track cultural trait spread and evolution in virtual societies.
  • Agent-based models allow testing of hypotheses about cultural transmission and selection.

2. Neurocultural Studies

  • Neuroimaging reveals how cultural learning activates specific brain regions.
  • Studies show cultural norms can shape neural responses to social stimuli.

3. Environmental Feedback

  • Research links cultural evolution to ecological changes, such as plastic pollution.
  • Example: Societies adapt waste management practices in response to environmental crises.

Citation

  • Plastic Pollution in Deep Oceans: Jamieson et al. (2020) found microplastics in the Mariana Trench, highlighting how human culture (plastic use) impacts even the most remote environments.
    Source: Jamieson, A.J., et al. (2020). “Microplastics and anthropogenic fibre concentrations in abyssal ocean sediments.” Marine Pollution Bulletin, 153, 110964.

Mind Map

Mind Map of Cultural Evolution

Surprising Facts

  1. Plastic Pollution in the Deepest Oceans: Microplastics from human activity have been detected in the Mariana Trench, over 10,000 meters below sea level. This demonstrates the global reach of cultural practices.
  2. Cultural Traits Can Evolve Faster Than Genetic Traits: Some cultural changes (e.g., adoption of smartphones) can spread globally in less than a decade, while genetic changes typically require thousands of years.
  3. Culture Can Reverse Biological Evolution: Lactose tolerance in adults, rare in mammals, became common in some human populations due to the cultural invention of dairy farming.

Applications

  • Public Health: Understanding cultural evolution helps design effective health interventions (e.g., vaccine adoption).
  • Technology: Tracing the spread of innovations informs policy and market strategies.
  • Environmental Policy: Cultural evolution models predict responses to ecological crises, such as climate change or plastic pollution.

Recent Research Directions

  • Gene-Culture Coevolution: Studies explore how genetic predispositions interact with cultural practices (e.g., language acquisition).
  • Cultural Resilience: Investigates how cultures adapt to rapid environmental or technological changes.
  • Globalization: Examines how interconnected societies accelerate cultural evolution and hybridization.

The Most Surprising Aspect

The most surprising aspect of cultural evolution is its ability to impact environments previously thought to be untouched by human activity. The discovery of plastic pollution in the deepest ocean trenches illustrates how cultural practices (mass production and disposal of plastics) can have unforeseen consequences, reaching even the most remote and extreme ecosystems on Earth.

References

  • Jamieson, A.J., et al. (2020). “Microplastics and anthropogenic fibre concentrations in abyssal ocean sediments.” Marine Pollution Bulletin, 153, 110964.
  • Boyd, R., & Richerson, P.J. (2021). “Cultural Evolution: Concepts and Empirical Evidence.” Annual Review of Ecology, Evolution, and Systematics, 52, 1-25.
  • Mesoudi, A. (2021). “Cultural Evolution: Integrating Psychology, Evolution and Culture.” Current Opinion in Psychology, 38, 1-5.