Theory of Cultural Evolution

The Theory of Cultural Evolution suggests that cultures change and develop over time through processes similar to biological evolution. Ideas, customs, and practices spread, adapt, or fade based on their usefulness, appeal, or ability to survive in a given environment. These changes happen gradually as societies innovate and interact, leading to diverse and complex cultures. Like biological evolution, cultural evolution is driven by variation, selection, and transmission, shaping human societies across generations without implying progress toward a specific endpoint—only transformation and adaptation.