Sociology Plus
Evolutionary Sociology Definition
Evolutionary sociology is a form of sociological thought that emphasises the continuity between biological evolution and sociocultural evolution. W.G. Runciman argued that any substantive social theory must adopt an evolutionary perspective, positing three core tenets: that human social capacities are biologically based; that there exists a historical sequence where later developments depend on earlier ones; and that the idea of selection can be used to explain why specific social practices become established. Although many sociologists reject the application of biological terminology directly, Runciman suggests that this evolutionary framework is inescapable for understanding social change.
Runciman’s Core Propositions
Runciman’s argument rests on three interconnected propositions regarding the nature of social development:
1. Human social capacities are fundamentally based on biological foundations.
2. Although a simple, unilinear model of historical social development cannot be predicted, there is a discernible historical sequence in which later societal changes are contingent upon earlier ones.
3. The concept of social ‘selection’ (or adaptation) is sensible for explaining the establishment of particular social practices.
Challenges and Debates
While propositions one and two are widely accepted, the third proposition—the use of selection—causes significant difficulty for social scientists when attempting to apply biological concepts precisely to complex social systems. The main point of contention lies in whether terms borrowed from biology, such as ‘selection’ or ‘adaptation’, possess the necessary precision when applied to sociology, particularly compared to their usage in evolutionary biology.
Philosophical Divergence
Disagreement among sociologists often arises over the interpretation of historical change and the applicability of evolutionary concepts. Some theorists, such as Anthony Giddens and Mann, have rejected any conception of ‘serial history’, favouring instead an episodic characterisation of social change. Nevertheless, even these thinkers appear to find it difficult to entirely escape evolutionary thinking when dealing with broad concepts of social evolution. Furthermore, debates continue regarding the inclusion of evaluative concepts, such as ‘progress’, within modern evolutionary thought, and whether the principle of evolution implies a gradual or planned developmental trajectory in society.
Legacy
Evolutionary sociology has moved significantly beyond the crude notions of Social Darwinism that were prevalent in the nineteenth century, which involved misapplied biological analogies and sweeping applications of concepts like the ‘survival of the fittest’. Despite this advancement, the field remains controversial, particularly concerning the precise content and limits of applying evolutionary mechanisms to social phenomena.