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2 - Theorizing Sociocultural Evolution

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  07 July 2022

Richard E. Blanton
Affiliation:
Purdue University, Indiana
Gary M. Feinman
Affiliation:
The Field Museum, Chicago
Stephen A. Kowalewski
Affiliation:
University of Georgia
Linda M. Nicholas
Affiliation:
The Field Museum, Chicago
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Summary

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.

Type
Chapter
Information
Ancient Oaxaca
The Monte Albán State
, pp. 21 - 41
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2022

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