Darwin's theory of evolution provides a single theoretical framework for
biology, and all life sciences, today. But among humanities scholars, it is
widely assumed that our rich cultural and behavioral development operates
outside the rules of evolutionary theory. In fact, Darwin's theory has been
considered taboo in the study of the social sciences in light of the
inhumane theories of social Darwinism that emerged at the end of the
nineteenth century. But, now, David Sloan Wilson expands on what we
traditionally consider biological. Informed by decades of research and
drawing on a wide range of studies that cover topics from the breeding of
hens to the timing of cataract surgeries in infants to the organization of
an auto plant, Wilson investigates the development and evolution of human
social and cultural institutions. What emerges is an incredibly powerful
argument- if we can wisely manage the evolutionary processes that function
within our social and cultural institutions, we will have the power to
achieve positive social and economic change that has the potential to
drastically improve our institutions, our communities, and ourselves.