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Updated: May 22, 2026
06:18
Optimized Bone Sampling Protocols for the Retrieval of Ancient DNA from Archaeological Remains
Published on: November 30, 2021
Archaeology as a social science
Michael E Smith1, Gary M Feinman, Robert D Drennan
1School of Human Evolution and Social Change, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85298, USA. mesmith9@asu.edu
Summary
Advanced archaeology offers sophisticated insights into social science debates. Multiscalar studies reveal long-term human societal changes in settlements, markets, states, and living standards.
Area of Science:
- Archaeology, Social Sciences
Background:
- Archaeology has evolved significantly due to methodological and theoretical advancements.
- It now tackles complex social science questions with enhanced sophistication.
Observation:
- Multiscalar archaeological studies globally yield extensive data.
- This data offers unique insights into pre-modern human societies, behavior, and institutions.
- Key areas examined include settlements, markets, states, and living standards.
Findings:
- Archaeological data reveals diverse long-term societal changes.
- Human settlements, market and state roles, and living standards varied significantly across history.
- Alternative pathways to societal complexity are evident under different ecological and demographic conditions.
Implications:
- Archaeology provides a crucial deep-time perspective on social science issues.
- Understanding past societal dynamics informs contemporary social and economic debates.
- Comparative studies highlight how common processes manifest under varied historical contexts.
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