Methods for studying cultural attraction

Cultural attraction theory (CAT) describes a general evolutionary process, cultural attraction, by which the spread and stability of cultural items (beliefs, practices, artifacts, etc.) result not just from differential reproduction, but also from transformations that systematically favor the recons...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Evolutionary anthropology 2019-01, Vol.28 (1), p.18-20
Main Authors: Heintz, Christophe, Blancke, Stefaan, Scott‐Phillips, Thom
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Anthropology, Physical
attraction
CAT
Cultural change
Cultural Evolution
Culture
Humans
method
Middle range theories
Models, Theoretical
Office parks
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Summary:Cultural attraction theory (CAT) describes a general evolutionary process, cultural attraction, by which the spread and stability of cultural items (beliefs, practices, artifacts, etc.) result not just from differential reproduction, but also from transformations that systematically favor the reconstruction of cultural items of specific types. In this way, CAT aims to provide a general framework for the study of cultural evolution. In a thoughtful critical analysis, Buskell questions the ability of CAT to provide methodological guidance for research in cultural evolution. Can CAT be used to develop the sort of mid‐range theories and models that often drive empirical work? Here we argue that CAT can indeed be used in this way, and we outline the methodological practices that students of cultural attraction have used and are currently developing.
ISSN:1060-1538
1520-6505
DOI:10.1002/evan.21764