Wired for Culture by Mark Pagel moves deeply into the
undiscovered nature of human biology and how this influences societal
development. Rooted in our biology is the deep desire for all human beings to
work within social groups. This biology manifests itself into altruistic
actions that further the survival needs of that group. Without the use of
social mirroring and individuals showing their societal worth through
altruistic actions society would eventually dissipate into chaos.
To him culture is a domestication tool that helps
individuals find a place that furthers their self-attainment and the overall
development of society. Through this specialization of effort the entire
economic chain is developed that contributes to each other by providing
specific products and services that benefits the group of most. This benefit
comes to individuals in the form of wages and financial security. It keeps the
chain bound together.
Religion is seen as a cultural enhancer that helps to foster
togetherness among certain ethnic groups. Such beliefs are pushed in order to
ensure that members adhere to societal standards defined by that group. Those
who violate religious norms are often chastised as though they have violated a
group norm. This reason exists because for many people religion is a definition
of oneself and their identity that moves across multiple planes of
understanding the world.
Language is also biological in nature, but the type of
language people use is part of group identity and culture. It enhances this
societal definition with certain groups using certain types of language and
phrases more than others phrases. Where there is difference in language use
there is also the potential for group differences based upon perceptions of both
group identity and world perception the language defines.
The book further discusses the concept of human social
structure revolving around the natural order of creatures in nature. “That large groups of humans can be led by a
small number of elite for the same reasons as termites, ants, bees and wasps.
“ Those on top of the social structure are seen as more important genetically
as well as more worthy to lead a group of people. Yet this is only a perception
and is defined by group values that may or may not represent the reality.
The book sheds light on the structure of society and how the
biological nature of humans have come to form people, nations, and societal
order. Most people are not aware they are in a network of other people and fit
within this societal order in some defined way. They follow the rules because
to step outside of those rules means to incur the wrath of those who find their
value in that particular order. This is
one of the reasons why change can be so stressful to a society as it adjusts
the patterns and beliefs to create new understandings of the world.
I found the book to be thought provoking in the sense that
it helps to come to the conclusion that those things that define us as a nation
are really based within our cultural perceptions. There are some who will view
themselves as part of a different group based upon ethnicity even within the
larger societal structure as defined by a nation. People must change the way
they view others within society in order to fully incorporate them into the
societal network. The change of the mind can take many years to complete as
people slowly adjust the perception of self and others into a more cohesive
framework.
Pagel, M. (2012). Wired
for Culture: The origins of the Human Social Mind. NY; W.W. Norton &
Company. ISBN: 978-0-393-34420-2
Blog Ranking: 3.8/5
Price: $20
