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2 - Theorizing Sociocultural Evolution

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  07 July 2022

Richard E. Blanton ,
Gary M. Feinman ,
Stephen A. Kowalewski  and
Linda M. Nicholas
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.

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

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