Darwin’s theory of evolution is the bedrock of modern biology. Populations of organisms acquire advantageous new traits, pass them on to subsequent generations and sometimes create new species. In his fascinating new book, Wilson, an evolutionary biologist, suggests applying the principles of evolution to social and cultural problems.
In an easy-to-read, conversational style, Wilson describes how he and his colleagues and grad students use the techniques of evolutionary biology to diagnose problems in areas as diverse as childhood education, human relations, city governance and even economics.
In Binghamton, N.Y., where Wilson teaches, he and his students use statistical databases to track, neighborhood by neighborhood, various aspects of quality of life, such as prenatal and early childhood care, happiness, and high school graduation rates. Wilson’s Binghamton Neighborhood Project has helped people in the community become more engaged, working to improve their parks and other shared spaces.
Log in
Subscribers, enter your e-mail address for full access to the Science News archives and digital editions.