superorganic

is the notion of culture as an integrated system more than biological, yet having its own, almost life-like dynamics.

the cultural whole as the superorganic, an integrated system that was more than biological, yet seemed to have its own innate dynamics, almost to live its own life. This is the reason for simultaneous inventions. .. .Kroeber referred to the cultural whole as the superorganic, an integrated system that was more than biological, yet seemed to have its own innate dynamics, almost to live its own life. Indeed, Kroeber is often considered an extreme methodological collectivist. Thus, in his article 'The superorganic' (1917, reprinted in Kroeber 1952), he points out that innovations are often made independently by different people in different locations. This, he argues, is evidence that cultures have their own autonomous dynamics, independent of individuals. (erikson 'history of anthropology' 65)

superorganic, n.Definitions

superorganic