Social norms as a strategy of regulation of reproduction among hunter-fisher-gatherer societies

There is a paradox between demographic data on extant hunter-gatherers (existence of different growth rates, capability of achieving high growing rates, long-term demographic stability) and the archaeological evidence of low population density and scarce demographic expansions during palaeolithic chronologies. These low demographic densities have been explained as a consequence of low technological innovation or capability (leading to starvation), intrinsic biology (immunology, diseases, breastfeeding amenorrhea, among others), and ecological and climatic catastrophes. The existing paradox corroborates the fact that paleodemographical tendencies are not that simple.

The purpose of the project is to develop an alternative approach which is focused on social regulation of human reproduction. Demographic stability is difficult to achieve due to circumstantial and specific external events affecting mortality patterns. Flexible means of regulation through social collective decisions/choices affect fertility and have an important impact on human populations. In this sense, it is used as an experimental approach with a multiagent-based simulation system using as reference ethnological and ethno-archaeological data to asses a later discussion on prehistoric paleodemography. The results and conclusions may help to build a middle-range theory regarding social forms among hunter-gatherer societies, such as social inequalities, violence, and warfare.