Subjective selection and the evolution of complex culture

Area of Science:

• Cultural evolution
• Psychology
• Sociology

Background:

• Culture is shaped by various evolutionary processes.
• Understanding the drivers of cultural complexity is a key question in evolutionary sciences.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose subjective (cultural) selection as a major force in shaping culture.
• To explain the development of complex cultural products and dependencies through subjective evaluation.

Main Methods:

• Theoretical argument based on evaluating behaviors and beliefs.
• Analysis of how perceived usefulness drives adoption and transmission of cultural variants.
• Exploration of interactions with other cultural evolutionary processes.

Main Results:

• Subjective selection, based on perceived goal satisfaction, is a primary driver of cultural change.
• This process leads to the iterative development of effective-seeming cultural forms.
• It explains the emergence of complex cultural products (technology, ritual, institutions) and cultural dependencies.

Conclusions:

• Subjective evaluation of usefulness is central to cultural evolution.
• This mechanism explains the development and persistence of diverse cultural practices, from technology to shamanism.
• Subjective selection interacts with other evolutionary forces to shape cumulative culture.