Cultural traits as units of analysis
Michael J O'Brien1, R Lee Lyman, Alex Mesoudi
1Department of Anthropology, University of Missouri, 107 Swallow Hall, Columbia, MO 65211, USA. obrienm@missouri.edu
Summary
Cultural traits are units of transmission and replication, analogous to genes. Studying archaeological records helps understand cultural trait modification and inheritance.
Area of Science:
- Anthropology
- Archaeology
- Evolutionary Studies
Background:
- Cultural traits are fundamental units in anthropology, reflecting behaviors.
- These traits are transmitted and replicated, undergoing modification within individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the nature of cultural traits as units of transmission and replication.
- To establish the archaeological record as a proxy for studying cultural inheritance.
Main Methods:
- Conceptual analysis of cultural transmission and replication.
- Utilizing archaeological data as observable manifestations of cultural units.
Main Results:
- Cultural traits function as both transmitted units and replicators, akin to genes.
- Archaeological artifacts and features serve as proxies for unobservable transmission units.
Conclusions:
- Analytical clarity in defining and measuring units is crucial for studying cultural inheritance.
- The archaeological record provides empirical evidence for understanding the dynamics of cultural traits.
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