Overview

This research group explores the universal order of human cultural variation on a macroscopic scale. While traditional anthropology often focuses on the particularities of specific societies, our group asks hypothesis-driven questions through large-scale cross-cultural data: “Why do certain traits emerge repeatedly, and through what pathways do they transform?” To achieve this, we utilize extensive ethnographic archives and cross-cultural databases, most notably the Human Relations Area Files (HRAF). Drawing on large-scale quantitative data, we comparatively analyze the evolutionary trajectories of human social structures, kinship systems, and behavioral patterns. Furthermore, we investigate bio-cultural coevolutionary models and continually explore the potential applications of phylogenetic comparative methods, aiming to trace the origins of human diversity from multiple theoretical and methodological angles. 

Associated Projects (Latest)

1. Ethnographic Evidence of Attachment: A Cross-Cultural Study of Attachment (Ongoing)