Population size and cultural evolution in nonindustrial food-producing societies

PLOS ONE • Vol/Iss. 8 • Published In • Pages: 1-6 •
By Collard, Mark, Ruttle, April, Buchanan, Briggs, O'Brien, Michael J.

Abstract

Seeking to resolve contradictions between previous studies, these authors conduct empirical analysis on the relationship between population size and cultural evolution. Results indicate that population size influences toolkit richness and complexity, even when proxies for risk of resource failure are introduced in the regression model. Authors speculate that the association is weaker for hunter-gatherers because those societies are more affected by risk of resource failure and have institutions that facilitate cultural evolution despite smaller population size. There also may be a threshold effect in the influence of population size on toolkit structure.

Samples

Sample Used Coded Data Comment
eHRAF World CulturesOther Researchers

Hypotheses (1)

HypothesisSupported
Population size will be associated with toolkit richness and complexity independent of rain and effective temperature.Supported
Documents and Hypotheses Filed By: Amelia Piazza