Social isolation and sociocultural diversity

Abstract

One of the major phenomena which has to be explained by any theory of organic evolution is biological diversity; and, similarly, sociocultural diversity must be explained by any satisfactory theory of sociocultural evolution. In both cases, isolation (between biological species or between human groups) is the key. Unlike biological isolation between species, social isolation is an active force because human groups can choose to increase or decrease the extent of their differentiation from other specific groups. This gives it an evolutionary potential that biological isolation does not have. Each evolutionary human group may be classified by its primary characteristic: territory, descent, occupation, interest, language or idea, and examples of each type are discussed. Each isolate develops secondary attributes which distinguish it from other equivalent isolates, and it is these attributes which constitute sociocultural diversity. The whole system is energized by competition for prestige between equivalent groups. Non-violent forms of this competition are discussed, as are the development of new social isolates and the role of diffusion. The positive side of social isolation is the production of diversity, but its negative side brings conflict and violence which are not considered here.