Neutral Theory, Stochasticity, and the Efficiency of Social Institutions

Ryan H. Murphy

Kyklos, 2025, vol. 78, issue 4, 1530-1538

Abstract: This paper draws on the concept of neutral theory from molecular biology to describe how rational choice foundations may be given to cultural practices or social institutions such that the specifics of the practice or institution are inherently arbitrary, that is, stochastic. Neutral theory describes the process by which genes at the molecular level may propagate across a species without conferring any benefit in terms of evolutionary fitness. Likewise, social institutions or cultural practices may propagate across the group without any instrumental use for them. Interpretations of practices and institutions in terms of neutral theory are generally simpler than other economic explanations. On the other hand, definitionally, neutral explanations of cultural practices are less likely because they will not be actively selected for at the group level.

Date: 2025
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