Economics through the lens of cultural evolution
Abstract
Economics is marred by simple axioms that depict humans as rational maximizers pursuing individual self-interest and incapable of cooperation. Additionally, anything beyond markets is disregarded. This results in a twodimensional portrayal of the ‘economy’ as an autonomous entity, independent of society and the rest of nature, which self-regulates to generate the greatest good for the greatest number of people. However, other disciplines have unequivocally disproven these facile assumptions. Viewing economic activity – the production, allocation, and consumption of goods and services – through the lens of cultural evolution helps explain the diversity of human behaviors and material practices across space and time.
Primary Faculty Mentor Name
Meghan Cope
Status
Graduate
Student College
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Program/Major
Economics
Primary Research Category
Social Science
Economics through the lens of cultural evolution
Economics is marred by simple axioms that depict humans as rational maximizers pursuing individual self-interest and incapable of cooperation. Additionally, anything beyond markets is disregarded. This results in a twodimensional portrayal of the ‘economy’ as an autonomous entity, independent of society and the rest of nature, which self-regulates to generate the greatest good for the greatest number of people. However, other disciplines have unequivocally disproven these facile assumptions. Viewing economic activity – the production, allocation, and consumption of goods and services – through the lens of cultural evolution helps explain the diversity of human behaviors and material practices across space and time.
