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The adaptive role of peer culture is shaped by risk landscapes

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 July 2026

Alejandro Pérez Velilla Open the ORCID record for Alejandro Pérez Velilla [Opens in a new window]  and
Paul E. Smaldino Open the ORCID record for Paul E. Smaldino [Opens in a new window]
Alejandro Pérez Velilla*
Affiliation:
University of California, Merced (APV and PES), Merced, CA, USA aperezvelilla@ucmerced.edu https://anthrocult.org
Paul E. Smaldino
Affiliation:
Santa Fe Institute (PES), Santa Fe, NM, USA psmaldino@ucmerced.edu https://smaldino.com/wp/
*
*Corresponding author.
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Abstract

Peer cultures can contribute adaptive innovations, but their capacity for contribution depends on the environmental risk landscape. High-risk environments promote conservative cultural transmission, suppressing contributions from peer-driven exploration, while low-risk conditions allow peer cultures to thrive, generating, and spreading novel solutions. Socioeconomic stratification also influences these dynamics, creating cultural divides in how peer cultures operate.

Information

Type
Open Peer Commentary
Information
Behavioral and Brain Sciences , Volume 49 , 2026 , e253
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Copyright
© The Author(s), 2026. Published by Cambridge University Press

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