Working Paper: NBER ID: w27706
Authors: Nathan Nunn
Abstract: In this chapter, I consider the benefits of viewing history through an evolutionary lens. In recent decades, a field of research has emerged, which builds on foundations from biological evolution to study culture within an evolutionary framework. I begin the chapter by discussing the theory behind cultural evolution and the empirical evidence supporting its ability to explain the history of human societies. I then turn to a discussion of how an evolutionary perspective provides important insights into a range of phenomena within economics, including a deeper understanding of human capital, innovation, gender roles, the consequences of warfare, the effects of market competition, why we observe historical persistence and path dependence, and, most importantly, why sustained economic growth is often so elusive. I end by turning to a summary of a growing body of research within economics that has made progress in improving our understanding of cultural evolution and, thus, contributing to evolutionary disciplines outside of economics.
Keywords: Cultural Evolution; Economic History; Human Capital; Innovation
JEL Codes: C73; N01; N10; Z1
Edges that are evidenced by causal inference methods are in orange, and the rest are in light blue.
| Cause | Effect |
|---|---|
| Cultural evolution (Z10) | Better decision-making outcomes (D91) |
| Reliance on cultural traditions (Z12) | Better decision-making outcomes (D91) |
| Cultural evolution (Z10) | Greater technological sophistication (O33) |
| Cumulative cultural evolution (Z10) | Increased overall knowledge base (D83) |
| Cultural knowledge transmission (Z10) | Enhanced productivity and innovation (O49) |
| Outdated cultural practices (Z18) | Suboptimal decision-making (D91) |
| Persistence of cultural traits (Z13) | Hindered adaptation (L15) |
| Hindered adaptation (L15) | Negative economic outcomes (F69) |