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Evolution of family systems and resultant socio-economic structures

Sociology

Evolution of family systems and resultant socio-economic structures

K. Itao and K. Kaneko

This study by Kenji Itao and Kunihiko Kaneko developed an innovative evolutionary model that simulates the evolution of family systems in pre-industrial agricultural societies. It uncovers how family structures adapt to their environments, revealing surprising links between inheritance types and wealth accumulation. Discover how this research sheds light on the socio-economic dynamics of the past.

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Playback language: English
Abstract
This study developed a multi-level evolutionary model of pre-industrial agricultural societies to simulate the evolution of family systems and determine how each adapts to environmental conditions and forms a characteristic socio-economic structure. The model shows four basic family systems emerge (nuclear or extended, with equal or biased inheritance), depending on land resources and societal pressures. Analysis reveals higher poverty in extended families and accelerated wealth accumulation in families with biased inheritance. Empirical data verifies the model's predictions on environmental conditions, family systems, and socio-economic structures.
Publisher
Humanities and Social Sciences Communications
Published On
Oct 20, 2021
Authors
Kenji Itao, Kunihiko Kaneko
Tags
evolutionary model
family systems
agricultural societies
socio-economic structure
inheritance
poverty
wealth accumulation
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