Hmm… Is there an underlying argument being made here that we should reject any narrative that predicates the current state of the world (e.g., widespread inequality) as an inevitable (or probable) outcome of historical processes? That would suggest that we’ve been overemphasizing causal vs stochastic elements in human cultures.
Are there any good studies looking at (say) the statistical persistence of cultural or institutional traits over time, in the absence of external factors? Or the general predictability (or lack thereof) of institutional changes over time?
https://anthrosource.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/aman.13940
See point 3 for the first half of your question, from the same group. ;)
Very timely for me. Was just re-reading “The Dawn of Everything” and had planned to go looking for some new source material. Thanks!
Check the bibliography here: https://linktr.ee/blacktrowel
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