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Cultural evolution of conformity and anticonformity
Kaleda Krebs Denton1, Yoav Ram2, Uri Liberman3
1Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305.
Summary
Conformist bias, where common traits are favored, can lead to complex dynamics and doesn't always maintain group differences. This challenges previous models of cooperation evolution.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary biology
- Cultural evolution
- Behavioral ecology
Background:
- Conformist bias (adopting common traits) and anticonformist bias (adopting rare traits) are documented in humans and animals.
- Previous models by Boyd and Richerson used these biases to explain cooperation evolution.
Purpose of the Study:
- Revisit and extend Boyd and Richerson's models of conformist and anticonformist bias.
- Investigate the evolutionary dynamics under modified assumptions, including population structure.
Main Methods:
- Mathematical modeling of cultural transmission dynamics.
- Analysis of evolutionary game theory with conformity and anticonformity.
- Exploration of population subdivision and modifier invasion.
Main Results:
- Complex dynamics like stable cycles and chaos emerge with >3 role models and strong anticonformity.
- New equilibria arise when conformity/anticonformity act at different frequencies.
- Conformity does not always maintain between-group differences in subdivided populations.
Conclusions:
- The evolutionary impact of conformity on cooperation is more complex than previously assumed.
- Understanding these biases is crucial for human and animal behavior, cooperation, and frequency-dependent transmission.
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