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2 Social evolution: GEE 002B-CPE21S1 - GE Elective 2 - Living in the IT Era

5.2 Social evolution

Intended Learning Outcome
At the end of this lesson, students are expected to:

Explain what social evolution is;

Discover where the concept of social evolution comes from;
Analyze the three types of evolutionary patterns; and
Evaluate the types of social evolution. 

Teaching and Learning Activities

Class discussion
Ice Breaker Activity (graded)

Topics Outline
1. What is social evolution?
2. Where the concept of social evolution comes from?
3. Three types of evolutionary patterns.
4. Types of social evolution
5. Summary
6. References

5.2.1 What is social evolution?

Social evolution is a broad set of theories that attempt to explain how and why modern cultures are
different from those in the past. Social evolution is the gradual development of society and social
forms, institutions, etc. Socio-cultural evolution is based on changes in behavior patterns, social
relationships, values and beliefs that happen in human population.

5.2.2 Where does the concept of social evolution came from?

Mid 19th century, Charles Darwin. Physical evolution theories expressed in the Origin of
Species and The Descent of Man.
19th-century, Lewis Henry Morgan. It is often named as the person who first applied
evolutionary principles to social phenomena.

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10/28/22, 4:21 PM 5.2 Social evolution: GEE 002B-CPE21S1 - GE Elective 2 - Living in the IT Era

Social Phenomena, the individual, external, social constructions that influence our lives and
development, and are constantly evolving as we age.

The influence of Greeks and Romans. Ancient scholars such as Polybius and Thucydides built
histories of their societies, by describing the early Roman and Greek cultures as “barbaric"
versions of their present. Aristotle's idea of social evolution was that society developed from a
family-based organization.

5.2.3 Three (3) Types of Evolutionary Patterns

1. Parallel evolution. The process in which related, but distinct, species independently evolve
similar structures. These two plant species are of different plant families but live in the same type
of environment.
2. Divergent evolution. It refers to the process by which interbreeding species diverged into two or
more evolutionary groups. They have common ancestor (Related) à adapt different traits
3. Convergent evolution. The process whereby species that are not closely related, independently
evolve functionally or visually similar structures e.g. Sharks and dolphins look relatively similar
despite being entirely unrelated.

5.2.4 Types of Social Evolution

Biological evolution. Biological evolution or “genetic evolution” occurs through genetic variation
and reproduction and involves the transfer of genes from one generation to the next. Evolution in
human populations is the differences in shapes and features of indigenous people living in
contrasting climates and environmental conditions.

Cultural evolution. It occurs through the development of customs and languages, and involves
the transfer of information either within a generation or across many generations. Change in the
lifestyle of modern humans from nomadic hunter-gatherers to permanent settlers.
Technological evolution. It refers to the changes over time in technology that give humans
increased control over their environment. Include the change from stone tools to metal tools, the
development of industrial technologies, agricultural and medicinal procedures, communication
resources.

5.2.5 Summary
Lesson9: Social evolution

In this lesson, we learned that evolution is change through time.

Social evolution is the gradual development of society and social forms, institutions, etc., usually
through a series of peaceful stages.

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The three types of evolutionary patterns are parallel evolution, which is the process in which
related, but distinct, species independently evolve similar structures.
We have learned that the concept of social evolution came from the influence of some scholars
and anthropologists like Charles Darwin, Lewis Henry Morgan, and Bock;
Also from the influence of Greek and Roman philosophers like Polybius, Thucydides, and
Aristotle.
The different types of social evolution are biological evolution or genetic evolution, which occurs
through genetic variation and reproduction and involves the transfer of genes from one
generation to the next. 
Cultural evolution is an evolutionary theory of social change. Cultural evolution occurs through
the development of customs and languages and involves the transfer of information either within
a generation or across many generations.
Lastly, the technological evolution which refers to the changes over time in technology that give
humans increased control over their environment.

5.2.6 References
What is Social Evolution (2020) Retrieved from https://www.dictionary.com/browse/social-evolution

Three Types of Evolutionary Patterns  (2020) Retrieved from https://biologydictionary.net/

What is Cultural Evolution (2020) Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/

Types of Social Evolution (2020) Retrieved from http://www.vce.bioninja.com.au/aos-4-change-over-time/hominid-

evolution/biological-cultural-techno.html

Types of Social Evolution (2020) Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/what-is-social-evolutionism-172801

Concept/Influences of Social evolution (2020) Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/what-is-social-evolutionism-

172801

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