Cultural selection discussion

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Regal and Kalyptic distinctions
Author:  Date: 1999-07-08 00:00
Is Rock music ‘regal’ culture? Well, one might ask if it fits with Agner’s definitions (from the JOM paper)

Agner states:
“The concept of regal may be delineated by the following definitions:
1.a regal selection is a cultural selection process dominated by inter-group conflicts or other collective dangers.
2.a regal culture is the result of such a selection, or
3.a culture which spends a high proportion of its resources on expansion or defense, or
4.a culture which limits the freedom of the individual members and makes considerable demands on the resources of the individuals for the purpose of strengthening the group.
5.a regal cultural product is a cultural phenomenon which is part of the strategy of a regal culture or otherwise a typical product of a regal culture.”

I think rock music could almost be _typified_ by inter-group conflict. The whole movement of rebellion which has grown up around rock could be seen as conflict between (members of other music traditions (e.g. mods and rockers) or societal figures (e.g. monarchy/establishment) or other gangs (e.g. ‘gansta rap’))

Current music could be seen as arising from the selection pressures of such inter-group conflict so I guess it is possible to interpret rock music as a regal cultural product. It is _also_ possible to interpret rock music as a kalyptic cultural product. In fact, rock music has elements of regal and kalyptic selection - which I think does one of the following; a) illustrate that rock music is a poor example of a clear distinction between regal and kalyptic culture; or b) illustrate that regal and kalyptic culture are ambiguous categories of selection open to almost any amount of interpretation to suit your particular political tastes.

My biggest problem is that Agner’s selective strategies are couched in too much moral and political language. I mean what right thinking person could ever support the good of the group over the good of the individual and foster racism and the destruction of the natual environment! J. S. Mill, the great humanitarian was also a utilitarian for crying out loud!! As I said, I fear r and k cultural selection tell us more about Agner’s pseudo-political beliefs than cultural evolution...

 
thread Regal and Kalyptic distinctions new - Nick Rose - 1999-07-07
replythread Regal and Kalyptic distinctions new - Derek Gatherer - 1999-07-08
last replythread Regal and Kalyptic distinctions - Nick Rose - 1999-07-08
replythread Regal and Kalyptic distinctions new - Agner Fog - 1999-07-10
last reply Regal and Kalyptic distinctions new - Nick Rose - 1999-07-13
last reply Regal and Kalyptic distinctions new - Aaron Agassi - 1999-07-11
last replythread Regal and Kalyptic distinctions new - Aaron Agassi - 1999-07-11
replythread Regal and Kalyptic distinctions new - Agner Fog - 1999-07-12
last reply Moi? new - Aaron Agassi - 1999-07-12
last replythread Regal and Kalyptic distinctions new - Svehla - 2000-06-04
last reply Music and uniformity new - Agner Fog - 2001-04-29