Theoretical complementarity in archaeology: Interweaving darwinist and marxist approaches

Abstract

This paper analyzes and discusses the complementarity in the use of theoretical approaches in archeology. In particular, it focuses on the discussion about the relevance of Darwinian evolutionary approaches such as evolu-tionary ecology, and dual inheritance model for the general study of the ecological and social aspects that influence human behavior and cultural evolution. The complementarity of these frameworks is appropriate to study chan-ges in different time and space scales, and fundamentally, the evolution of cultural adaptations. In this context, is discussed to an exploratory level the contribution of theoretical tools from other materialistic frameworks such as Marxism. For example, the study of the modification and inheritance of particular ecological and social environ-ments that may be the basis for the generation of contradictions between the productive forces and social relations of production, the application of the concept of mode of production in a non-essentialist way; and the impact of technological development and innovations in economic and social changes. Finally, it is postulated that a broad Darwinian evolutionary framework in archeology can be fruitful for the analysis of cultural evolution. Also, it is discussed the scope and limitations of the complementary use of theoretical tools of Marxism.