Prestige-Biased Social Learning

Offord, Matt; Brand, Charlotte; Kendal, Jeremy

Abstract

This chapter explores the role of prestige-biased social learning within cultural evolution studies. The authors define and underscore the significance of prestige, tracing its historical development in the social sciences. Originating from early twentieth-century concerns about propaganda and influence, the theme became intertwined with early notions of imitation. Although initially abandoned by sociologists, cultural evolution researchers revived this connection, establishing an evolutionary theory of prestige-biased social learning. The chapter explains cultural evolution theories of prestige, addressing critiques and refinements, and highlighting key experiments and fieldwork. A nuanced understanding of prestige-bias emerges from this synthesis. Finally, the authors present a practical example quantifying prestige bias, drawing from research on Royal Navy warships, offering tangible insights into information transmission dynamics.

Citation

Offord, M., Brand, C., & Kendal, J. (2024). Prestige-Biased Social Learning. In J. J. Tehrani (Ed.), The Oxford Handbook of Cultural Evolution. Oxford University Press. https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordhb/9780198869252.013.16

• Online Publication Date: Jun 20, 2024
• Publication Date: Jun 20, 2024
• Deposit Date: Nov 3, 2024
• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Book Title: The Oxford Handbook of Cultural Evolution
• ISBN: 9780198869252
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordhb/9780198869252.013.16
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/3080548