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PALEOLITHIC SOCIAL NETWORKS AND BEHAVIORAL MODERNITY

Authors: Gravel-Miguel, C. and Coward, F.

Pages: 443-458

DOI: 10.1093/oxfordhb/9780198854265.013.31

Abstract:

In this chapter, we discuss some of the challenges researchers face when using formal analysis methods to study Paleolithic social networks. We also present alternative and complementary methods that can mitigate those challenges; in particular, we argue that agent-based models are useful tools for testing formal methods and exploring network questions that cannot be answered solely from the archaeological record. We use such a model to show how different social behaviors are reflected in material networks, and to evaluate the accuracy of a popular method of reconstructing Paleolithic networks. Finally, we identify a number of fruitful areas that could be targeted by Paleolithic network analysts, as well as questions for which social network analysis techniques may be particularly well suited.

Source: Scopus