Articlebronze2012

Archaeology as a social science

Michael E. Smith · Gary M. Feinman · Robert D. Drennan · Timothy Earle · Ian Morris

116 citations0/0 files storedProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

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Historical and Cultural Archaeology Studies Archaeology and ancient environmental studies Archaeological and Geological Studies

Abstract

Because of advances in methods and theory, archaeology now addresses issues central to debates in the social sciences in a far more sophisticated manner than ever before. Coupled with methodological innovations, multiscalar archaeological studies around the world have produced a wealth of new data that provide a unique perspective on long-term changes in human societies, as they document variation in human behavior and institutions before the modern era. We illustrate these points with three examples: changes in human settlements, the roles of markets and states in deep history, and changes in standards of living. Alternative pathways toward complexity suggest how common processes may operate under contrasting ecologies, populations, and economic integration.

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References

1990Institutions, Institutional Change and Economic Performance 1991Institutions, Institutional Change and Economic Performance 2007A Farewell to Alms 2006The fall of Rome and the end of civilization 2011Why the West rules--for now: the patterns of history, and what they reveal about the future 2010The development and redevelopment of urban villages in Shenzhen 2010Archaeological Approaches to Market Exchange in Ancient Societies 2011Deep History

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