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****************************************************** * http://www.anthropologymatters.com * * A postgraduate project comprising online journal, * * online discussions, teaching and research resources * * and international contacts directory. * ****************************************************** Dear All, Please forward this to anyone who you think might be interested. Thank you. CALL FOR PAPERS: Genes and Culture: Past and Present Conveners: Robert Layton (Durham University) and Katherine Smith (University of Wales, Lampeter) Panel to be held at the 2009 Conference of the Association of Association of Social Anthropologists of the UK and Commonwealth (ASA), Bristol (UK), 6-9 April 2009. Short Abstract: This panel will explore the co-evolution of genes and culture from a number of different angles. It will explore the interactions between human genetic and cultural diversity and the influence that genetic variation has on the selection of cultural variants in the past, present and future. Long Abstract: Human genetic and cultural diversity has been shaped by genetic and social transmission of information over time. The concept of co-evolution examines interactions between these two lines inheritance, characterizing the influence that genetic variation has on selection of cultural variants and vice versa, and contributes to our understanding of human variation in the past, present and future. The co-evolution of genes and culture will be explored from a number of different angels, including the following: 1. In public understanding of science, ‘genes’ and ‘bloodlines’ become generated facts, fashioning cultural understandings, political possibilities and ‘common-sense’ assum ptions. Intersections of race, diaspora and kinship figure in these issues, where genetic origins emerge as shared concern. 2. Gene-culture interactions influence human evolution; for example, dairy farming and lactose absorption, infanticide and genetic-sex ratio, agricultural practices and disease resistance. 3. Cultural techniques for manipulating genetics, such as the genetic modification of crops and in-vitro fertilization, have significant implications for the future of society. 4. Evolutionary models are increasingly used in archaeology and anthropology to study transmissions of cultural traits, for example in pottery designs and children’s names. 5. The extent to which human social behaviour has a biological basis, or is shaped by culture, is a controversial topic in social anthropology. Developments in game theory, such as the application of the ‘Ultimatum Game’ cross-culturally, offer more nuanced evidence for the interaction of genes and culture. 6. Evolutionary theory encompasses several schools of thought; Dawkins’ notion of the ‘selfish gene/meme’ is only one. Other schools may be more sympathetic to the research interests of archaeology and social anthropology. The deadline for abstracts is February 6th; however, we would need to hear from you as soon as possible. Abstracts should be submitted online, following the link at the bottom of th is webpage: http://www.nomadit.co.uk/asa/asa09/panels.php5?PanelID=529 ________________________________________________________________________ AOL Email goes Mobile! You can now read your AOL Emails whilst on the move. Sign up for a free AOL Email account with unlimited storage today. ************************************************************* * Anthropology-Matters Mailing List * * To join this list or to look at the archived previous * * messages visit: * * http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/lists/Anthropology-Matters.HTML * * If you have ALREADY subscribed: to send a message to all * * those currently subscribed to the list,just send mail to: * * [log in to unmask] * * * * Enjoyed the mailing list? Why not join the new * * CONTACTS SECTION @ www.anthropologymatters.com * * an international directory of anthropology researchers * ***************************************************************