Cultural selection theory

Cultural selection theory suggests that ideas, behaviors, and practices within a society evolve over time much like biological traits do. Some cultural elements are more appealing, useful, or adaptable, making them more likely to be shared, adopted, or preserved across generations. This process highlights how certain cultural traits persist or spread because they better fit the environment, meet societal needs, or resonate with people's values, shaping the development of cultures over time through a form of natural selection applied to human ideas and customs.