Cultural evolution and economic growth: New Zealand Maori

Abstract

Many indigenous tribes have received settlements of resources enabling them to become major entrepreneurial players. This paper attempts to identify barriers impacting on Maori economic growth. While firms operate with an eye to the future, decision-making in Maori tribes operates with constant historical reference. To accommodate this difference, an evolutionary approach is suggested as the best way to analyse tribal economic status. Historical analysis of cultural-economic evolution reveals adoption of memes and routines as the resource base changed. Adopted memes and routines continue to shape contemporary economic behaviour and define identity. Preserving identity is often held as a barrier to adaptation, but economic growth and exploitation of an expanded resources base requires the adoption of new productive techniques and changes in behaviours, memes and routines. Inherited cultural legacies include sensitivity to mana, kinship groupings, leadership styles, technical isolation and others which have created both barriers and opportunities. Barriers to change include a reaction against the culture competent in that technology. Overcoming these barriers requires an understanding that culture is not a point in time, but an evolving force. This paper suggests that an evolutionary view of economic development may offer added insight in exploring and solving development issues, particularly for indigenous peoples and tribes.