Research work · 2022
Theorizing Sociocultural Evolution
Richard E. Blanton, Gary M. Feinman, Stephen A. Kowalewski, Linda M. Nicholas
Cambridge University Press eBooks
Abstract
With its rich archaeological data from surveys and excavations, Monte Albán and its regional context in highland Oaxaca, along with cross-cultural comparative science, are useful for evaluating current theories about sociocultural evolution. Older theories and persistent ideas about only two paths to state building – premodern (Oriental) and modern democratic (Occidental) – are less effective as explanations than those that recognize alternative pathways, heterarchy, and multiple important institutions. Collective action theory shows significant promise.