Publications des scientifiques de l'IRD

Roux V., Bril B., Cauliez J., Goujon A.L., Lara C., Manen C., Saulieu Geoffroy de, Zangato E. (2017). Persisting technological boundaries : social interactions, cognitive correlations and polarization. Journal of Anthropological Archaeology, 48, p. 320-335. ISSN 0278-4165.

Titre du document
Persisting technological boundaries : social interactions, cognitive correlations and polarization
Année de publication
2017
Type de document
Article référencé dans le Web of Science WOS:000418315000022
Auteurs
Roux V., Bril B., Cauliez J., Goujon A.L., Lara C., Manen C., Saulieu Geoffroy de, Zangato E.
Source
Journal of Anthropological Archaeology, 2017, 48, p. 320-335 ISSN 0278-4165
In this paper, we address the question of the conditions for persistence of technological boundaries. We use field studies to test the predictions generated by a theoretical model in analytical sociology and examine the micro-processes at stake in the non-diffusion of techniques: to which extent techniques contributes to a sharp disagreement between groups and promote polarization? The ultimate goal is to provide archaeologists with an empirically tested model to explain spatial distribution of technological clusters and maintenance of technological boundaries. Field studies examine ethnographic situations in four countries where social groups using different ceramic techniques for making utilitarian vessels live in close geographical proximity. Two situations enable us to examine the conditions under which technological boundaries persist, while two others enable us to analyze, through a boundary-making perspective, how differences in craft techniques contribute to polarization. Our data suggest that in a context where different techniques are used for different types of object there is a cognitive bias which fosters technological polarization. This cognitive bias develops in the course of interactions between actors living in close geographical proximity. Polarization increases when technological standards are used by different social groups, thereby favoring negative influence and persistent technological boundaries.
Plan de classement
Sociétés, développement culturel [112]
Localisation
Fonds IRD [F B010071822]
Identifiant IRD
fdi:010071822
Contact