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Cited by 37Anthropological Studies and InsightsRace, Genetics, and SocietyLanguage and cultural evolution

Developmental Systems and Inequality: Linking Evolutionary and Political-Economic Theory in Biological Anthropology

Hicks, Kathryn, Leonard, William R.·2014·Current Anthropology
DOI 10.1086/678055
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Abstract

Since the late 1990s, scholars have advocated for the adoption of political-economic approaches in biological anthropology. Despite this, the explicit application of these perspectives remains relatively rare. In this paper we argue for greater investment in this field of inquiry and advocate linking evolutionary-developmental and political-economic approaches to the study of human biology. We begin by discussing the historical development of human biology and the emergence of biocultural approaches in biological and medical anthropology. We then discuss evolutionary approaches grounded in phenotypic plasticity as an important framework for linking culture and biology. Finally, we consider the implications of culture theory based in political economy for building and expanding biocultural models. In particular, we examine the importance of inequality in structuring access to the means of cultural production and the creation of self-reinforcing norms. We finish with a discussion of the implications of these conclusions for future research.

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Authors
Hicks, K., & Leonard, W. R.
Affiliations
University of Memphis (US)
Venue
Current Anthropology
Publisher
University of Chicago Press
Published
2014-10
Volume
55
Issue
5
Pages
523-550
ISSN
  • 0011-3204 (ISSN-L)
  • 1537-5382
DOI
10.1086/678055
OpenAlex
W2232574295
Semantic Scholar
afca0f9f49ee2fe86263bd8b193be4e2c4dfc4e3
Cited by
37
References
172
Citations by year
2026: 1 · 2025: 4 · 2024: 3 · 2023: 1 · 2022: 4 · 2021: 3 · 2020: 4 · 2019: 5 · 2018: 4 · 2017: 1 · 2016: 4 · 2015: 2 · 2014: 1
FWCI
8.67
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
Current Anthropology (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Anthropology › Anthropological Studies and Insights
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Genetics › Race, Genetics, and Society
  • Social Sciences › Cultural Studies › Language and cultural evolution
Keywords
developmental systems, inequality, political economy, phenotypic plasticity, biocultural model, cultural theory, human biology

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