Is Human Culture Cumulative?

Authors :: Vaesen, Krist
Houkes, Wybo
Caldwell, Christine A.
Renner, Elizabeth
Kean, Donna
Blakey, Kirsten H.
Wilks, Charlotte E. H.
Atkinson, Mark
Kraemer, Sarah B.
Mackintosh, Gemma
de la Peña, Paloma
Haidle, Miriam Noël
Schlaudt, Oliver
Mesoudi, Alex
Muller, Antoine
Rawlings, Bruce
Flynn, Emma G.
Wood, Lara A.
Shipton, Ceri
Stout, Dietrich
Source :: Current Anthropology. Apr2021, Vol. 62 Issue 2, p218-238. 21p. 2 Charts.
Publication Year :: 2021
Abstract: It has been claimed that a unique feature of human culture is that it accumulates beneficial modifications over time. On the basis of a couple of methodological considerations, we here argue that, perhaps surprisingly, there is insufficient evidence for a proper test of this claim. And we indicate what further research would be needed to firmly establish the cumulativeness of human culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]