Clarity on Memetics #3

How could Memetics or Cultural Selection Theory be applicable to the study of history and society? Doesn't it just state the obvious fact that some ideas survive while others don't?

No.

Functionalistic explanations in social theory have often been unconvincing for lack of a detailed etiological (causation) theory. In traditional analyses of the class struggle, for example, it has often been claimed that this or that institution exists "because it serves the interests of the ruling class". The traditional analysis often fails, however, when it tries to find the architect behind the strategy of the ruling class. A close scrutiny may often reveal that such a strategy may be more refined and artful than the members of the ruling class can possibly have been able to think out and agree upon. In particular, this may be the case when we are talking about religious, ideological, or other cultural means. Such strategies of power cannot possibly be explained by rational planning alone, but only by taking into account the accumulated effect of repeated selecting events.

I think that Memetics (cultural selection theory) has its greatest force in the area of irrational behavior.  All societies are full of seemingly irrational and unproductive activities, such as religion, rituals, myths, tales, dance, music, festivity, art, fashion, play, sport, hobby, sex, and romance. All these activities have changed immensely during history, and we are seldom able to tell why. This is really a challenge for cultural selection theory, but how else can we explain Donald Trump or Hitler?

Rational decisions may also have interesting selection effects. Egoistic decisions taken by influential persons or groups may have unwanted consequences for other groups or for the society as a whole. This leads us to conflict research, where selection theory also may be useful. If we can uncover the factors that determine the outcome of a conflict, then we may in principle be able to predict the macro level combined effect of a thousand micro level conflicts.