Evolutionary-Ecological Dynamics of Sociopolitical Complexity: Human-Animal Symbioses, Culture of Honor, and War

The Evolution of Political Ideology: A Natural and Civil History • Springer Nature • • Published In • Pages: 125-146 •
By Peñaherrera-Aguirre, Mateo, Figueredo, Aurelio José , Hertler, Steven Charles

Abstract

The chapter uses a causal model linking ecological and cultural factors to the evolution of sociopolitical complexity. Using cross-cultural data from the Standard Cross-Cultural Sample and Sequential Canonical Cascade Analysis, the authors hypothesize that ecological conditions such as agricultural dependence and animal herding promote equestrian cultures and honor norms, which in turn increase warrior reward systems and homicide rates. These processes ultimately increase the frequency of external warfare, which significantly predicts sociopolitical complexity. The statistical models supported most of these hypotheses, with external warfare emerging as the strongest direct predictor of sociopolitical complexity. The findings overall supported an evolutionary-ecological framework in which environmental conditions and culturally mediated incentives for violence interact to influence patterns of intergroup conflict and the development of larger and more complex political organizations.

Samples

Sample Used Coded Data Comment
Standard Cross Cultural Sample (SCCS)Other Researchers

Hypotheses (14)

HypothesisSupported
Societies with greater agricultural dependence will exhibit higher levels of animal herding.Supported
Greater reliance on animal herding will positively predict the presence of equestrian cultures.Supported
Biogeographical conditions will predict the prevalence of animal herding across societies.Supported
Animal herding and ecological conditions will positively predict levels of parasite stress within societies.Supported
The presence of an equestrian culture will positively predict of a culture of honor.Supported
Cultures characterized by strong honor norms will exhibit greater institutionalized reward systems for its warriors.Supported
Societies with greater agricultural dependence will display stronger reward systems associated with warrior prestige.Supported
The presence of a reward system for warriors will be positively associated with higher levels of homicide.Supported
Higher levels of parasite stress will be associated with greater levels of internal conflict within societies.Supported
Higher levels of homicide will positively predict the frequency of external warfare between societies.Supported
Societies with stronger warrior reward systems will experience higher levels of external warfare.Supported
Greater levels of external warfare will positively predict sociopolitical complexity.Supported
The presence of equestrian culture will positively influence the level of sociopolitical complexity.Supported
Greater agricultural dependence will be associated with increased sociopolitical complexity.Supported
Documents and Hypotheses Filed By: jonathan.zhang