Barton, C. M. (2004). Book Review: Genes, Memes and Human History.

Barton, C. M. (2004).  Book Review: Genes, Memes and Human History.  European Journal of Archaeology, 7(85).  Retrieved on May 16, 2010 from http://eja.sagepub.com


Introduction
Barton's review of Shennan reveals that other domains of research are also interested in Darwinian algorithms and their applicability to social and cultural change.  Barton reminds us that there is general misconception and misconstrual of Darwinian theory and social Darwinism.  Questionable progressivism of the 19th century that permeated society reminds us that research can only be understood within current reality - thoughts based on situational activity opens potential pathways to the future.  Deeper levels of analysis are only available when component parts have been identified as necessary and linked.  Pejorative associations are subject to predominant culture values that evolve through transformation and adaptation.  Barton argues that archaeology provides a solid foundation for determining complex processes of long-term change and a comprehensive theoretical framework that takes into account both cognitive and behavioural aspects.  Darwin has already provided the platform.


The Darwinian perspective in Shennan's book covers behavioural ecology, culture as an inheritance system, cultural traditions, life history and demography, subsistence and exchange, gender relations, intragroup social relationships, and intergroup dynamics.  Barton indicates that while the book covers no new ground in behavioural ecology, concepts on the importance of individuals as opposed to groups as the key point for trial and error methodology (heurism) are introduced.  Shennan looks at things from a human behavioural ecologist's (HBE) view, but states that the focus has generally been on the short-term. He attempts to reposition human behavioural ecology concepts to understand society at archaeological level and integrate components into a more inclusive theoretical package.  Barton highlights the chapter on social learning, where Shennan has integrated components of Richerson and Boyd's work.  The discussion on inheritance system is significantly linked to Darwinian theory and social behaviour.


Barton defines natural selection thus: a relatively straightforward manifestation of differential transmission of genetic information from parent to offspring via chemical replication of four DNA base pairs in living organisms.  Darwinian theory provides algorithms that understands complex operating systems - where information determines behaviour and is transmitted from agent to agent.  Human culture systems are an information transmitting system.  Barton states that is why Darwinian theory is applicable.  Not because we are biological organisms.


Cultural tradition can be examined by tracing archaeological Anglo-american tradition where past culture has been "out of favour for nearly half a century" (pg. 4).  Darwinian theory is a good theory, but it is not necessary to delve deeply into the identification of prehistoric ethnic groups.  It is suggested that we need only consider the processes responsible for spatial and temporal transmission linked to archaeological record.  Recent literature has identified important links to social interaction and change, and Shennan builds on this to make the argument compelling.


Demographics and current understanding of population booms and waves indicates reproductive decisions are individual.  Selective pressures affect the balance of birth space and care.  Shennan states that increased birth rate does not always correlate to population growth.  K strategy is a human variability that is maintained to keep the population below capacity.  Implications are far reaching, Barton suggests.


Ironically, optimal foraging theory explains how humans are natural conservationists when the focus is on the short term.  Such behaviour is more rare when considering the long term.  Shennan uses documented cases of diminishing or destroying a resource base (e.g. book burning).  Insights from these case studies reflect the origins and evolution of agricultural societies.  Shennan uses economic law of comparative advantage to study the exchange.


Male-female roles and interactions play a significant part in selective control.  Pressure has significant influence in determining the differences in men and women.  Patterns vary considerably according to social and natural context, with resource cited as the significant indicator.


Barton encourages readers to read Shennan's book for it's attempt at unifying critical theory specifically and comprehensively for archaeology.  New and valuable insights can be applied to archaeological record regardless of Darwinian sympathies.  Work published in 1997 by Barton and Clark highlighted the diverse Darwinian approaches in Anglo-american archaeology.  Archaeology can be seen as a unique discipline that offers a scientific approach when reflecting on human society in history.  Barton sees in Shennan's work the same observation for a need of a general theory that embodies neo-Darwinian evolution and includes human behavioural systems.


Barton concludes that as more diverse elements of the domain are linked, a more comprehensive theoretical approach to understanding ourselves is established.  Maturity of the discipline will build on this work and reveal the potential for contributing toward this objective.